Thanksgiving is one of the most treasured holidays in the United States, and the whole country is immersed in the festive atmosphere. In recent years, some new immigrants from mainland China have also been influenced, volunteering in their communities before the holiday to express their gratitude to the American government and society.
On Tuesday (26th), over a dozen settled immigrants from the Chinese community in Los Angeles volunteered at the Midnight Mission shelter in the city, with Jie Lijian, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party Headquarters, among them. The group of volunteers worked tirelessly for nearly four hours, preparing 500 turkey meals for the homeless at the shelter, receiving praise from the residents. The coordinator who worked with Jie Lijian’s team at the shelter expressed great happiness, mentioning that it was the first time in decades they had seen so many Asian friends coming forward to help.
In Los Angeles, among the homeless population are individuals who have encountered setbacks in life and some are retired veterans. Jie Lijian believes that by offering help, they can feel warmth, even if it’s just handing over a bottle of mineral water, letting them feel that the world is not too cold, and that there are people who care about them.
“After completing the volunteer work, overall, everyone felt it was meaningful and joyful,” Jie Lijian said. This event has also received commendation from outsiders, with some friends telling him that this is the image Asians should have in America.
During this time, mainland China has seen a series of incidents such as indiscriminate driving into pedestrians, known as “Dedication to Zhong,” leading to many family tragedies. It has shocked observers to discover such a strong sense of hostility permeating Chinese society. Jie Lijian mentioned that in comparison, living under the American system allows for freedom of belief, pursuit of factual truth, mutual help, equality, and love, enabling people to experience the splendor of humanity.
He has also noticed that many new immigrants become more actively optimistic after coming to the United States.
Jia Huigang, a young immigrant who came to the United States by foot, was robbed of all his belongings by bandits while passing through Colombia. Stranded and in despair, a fellow traveler from Guangdong gave him $ 100 to help him out of trouble. He said, “I want to pass on this kindness.”
Jia Huigang is grateful for America’s political asylum policy and is filled with gratitude towards the American people: “It (America) has protected countless persecuted individuals, providing them with a chance for rebirth. This inclusivity and benevolence are the greatness of the American spirit. Thanks to the kindness and acceptance of the American people, I have found hope again on this land of freedom.”
Ms. Liao, who participated in the volunteer activity, expressed that before leaving the country, especially during the pandemic, she felt like she was suffering from “political depression.” She witnessed many injustices, including incidents like the Iron Chain Woman and Tangshan BBQ Shop violence, and she participated in online advocacy, only to have her posts constantly deleted. It was only after coming to America that she had the opportunity to speak freely.
Looking back on the year spent abroad, Ms. Liao said, “I am grateful for all of this. I also want to spread this love so that the entire society is enveloped in love.”
Mr. Li, who was a department manager at a construction company in his home country, has now become a “comrade” of Jie Lijian and frequently collaborates with him in organizing activities in front of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles. Back in his home country, Mr. Li also celebrated Thanksgiving, but the atmosphere was subdued. Celebrating the holiday for the first time in America gave him a different feeling: “The people here are very friendly. Even when checking out at the supermarket or passing by someone on the street, you can sense a kind of authenticity and sincerity. This atmosphere is particularly comfortable, without pressure, and without the need to be on guard all the time.”
“This holiday, I am most grateful to those who have helped me along the path to freedom. Their support has brought me to where I am today,” Mr. Li said. “I also particularly appreciate the Constitution of the United States and universal values. These things may seem abstract, but they are very significant for a new immigrant like me. They protect my rights and allow me to live freely in a secure place.”
Mr. Li feels that celebrating Thanksgiving is not just a holiday celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on life, “In the past, I thought it was just about eating and drinking, creating an atmosphere, but now I understand that it’s actually a reminder – urging us to pause and think: Who is helping us? What is truly worth cherishing?”
“I am fortunate to live in such a warm place like America and to be surrounded by a kind group of people,” Mr. Li said. “There may be more challenges in the future, but I will continue to move forward with a heart full of gratitude.”