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May 28, 1999/13 Sivan 5759, Vol. 51, No.35
Kosovar refugees welcomed into U.S. homes
TOM TUGEND
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
LOS ANGELES - The extended Vlashi family from Kosovo, all 28 of them, arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport around midnight May 20 and were engulfed by television cameras and the arms of the Jewish community. Luggage retrieval was no problem. All the refugees' worldly belongings fit easily into small carry-on bags.
Leading the welcoming party was Hajrush Vlashi, who embraced the parents, brothers, sisters, and extended family members he had not seen since he left Kosovo for Los Angeles eight years ago. Hajrush, like all his relatives, is Muslim. However, it was his Jewish wife, Renee Laub Vlashi, who turned to the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles when she was suddenly confronted with the prospect of putting up 28 relatives - with one or two dozen more to come.
Hajrush, a waiter, Renee, a puppeteer and college student, and their 20-month-old daughter live in a modest, three-bedroom house in the city's San Fernando Valley. They made room in their own home for his parents and three siblings. The federation's Valley Alliance pledged to find homes nearby for the rest of the Vlashi clan.
When the request went out - mainly through synagogues and federation agencies - for money, clothing, household appliances and host families for the refugees, the response was electric. "People have been incredible in opening up their homes," said Miriam Prum Hess, the federation's associate planning director.
The refugees who arrived in Los Angeles were among the first group to be assisted by the Jewish community under the auspices of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. In addition to those being housed in Los Angeles, 30 remained in the New York area and five went to New Jersey. Eventually, a total of 70-80 Kosovar refugees are to arrive in Los Angeles, and "the figures go up every day," said L.A. federation President John Fishel.
It is uncertain how long the refugees will stay in their hosts' homes, but thanks to their relationship to Hajrush Vlashi, his kin are eligible to remain in the United States as immigrants. Those who stay will receive assistance from the Jewish federation for permanent resettlement, while others have indicated that they want to go back home after the fighting ends and if conditions allow.
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