[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E147-E148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING BASMA ALAWEE FOR HER OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE ADVOCATING 
                      ON BEHALF OF FELLOW REFUGEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 2016

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Basma Alawee for her 
outstanding service to her country through her work in the community 
advocating on behalf of fellow refugees.
   Basma's impact began two years ago, when she came with her husband, 
Ali Aljubouri, and their daughter Dana, to Jacksonville, Florida from 
Iraq in order to escape persecution resulting from their assistance to 
the United States. Not only did they come to America for

[[Page E148]]

a better life, but they have bettered the lives of those now around 
them.
   Now in North Florida, the two have both given much back to their 
adopted community. Basma teaches middle school girls at the Foundation 
Academy much more than just math and science. Through example, she 
instills the value of taking initiatives and the importance of making a 
difference in the lives of others. To do this, she brings her classes 
to visit a local nursing home and organizes clothing at the church's 
thrift store. Her husband, Ali, contributes to the Christian academy 
through his work as a chef and a soccer coach, both bridging gaps in 
different religious communities.
   For Basma, the work doesn't end when the school day is over. Basma 
has been volunteering with refugee-resettlement agencies, working as 
the Florida delegate to the UNHCR, and even founding the Iraqi Family 
Organization so that the Iraqi community could support one another.
   The increasing conflict in the Middle East has threatened the future 
of refugees to the United States. Basma, who became an American citizen 
in July, wrote an essay with great courage, telling her own story in 
response to the political rhetoric about banning Muslims and refugees 
from certain countries. Her expressions of the struggles she faced and 
the love she had for America were simple, yet the message was clear and 
powerful.
   As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of interacting with 
and supporting the work of outstanding individuals, such as Basma 
Alawee. America is the world's most generous and diverse country, and 
Basma is proof that this generosity touches those who need it most. I 
am proud that Basma and her family call Jacksonville, FL their home. 
Basma has fully utilized the great opportunities presented to her by 
the United States of America and has dedicated her life to fostering 
community in Jacksonville and around the world.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of Congress to join me in 
recognizing Basma Alawee, not only for overcoming incredible challenges 
as a refugee, but for her dedication making this country a home for her 
family, her neighbors, and those who have dreams of escaping conflict 
for a better life.

                          ____________________