Having been born in Brooklyn, I didn’t have my whole family by my side all the time. Therefore, I value my heritage and thank God for it every day. Religion and food have been very important parts of my life and culture. My mother and grandmother are the two people who keep my faith flourishing through our culture. A religious tradition that I hold very dearly is fasting every Friday with my family. My mother and grandmother, both born in Syria, have taught me how to make many different Syrian and Lebanese vegan plates for this day. We fast every Friday, honoring our Christian faith and Middle Eastern roots. To have my grandma teach me how to make my favorite spinach pies and green bean soup with rice means more than the world to me. I should also mention that I have the best connection to my Lebanese side through my dad’s amazing chef skills. I will always love his Lebanese food and the platters that he brings to the table every Friday. This family dinner is more than just a religious custom to me. It is, and always will be, my favorite connection to the other two countries I call home, Syria and Lebanon. 

– Tiana Maria Eladem

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant