SALT LAKE CITY — When Kholoud Abou Arida came to America, she knew very little about it. But she knew her family would be safe here.

On Thursday, Abou Arida — who was one of the first Syrian refugees in Utah — shared Thanksgiving with her family and six other families who have come to Salt Lake City from Syria. For many, it was their first exposure to the traditional American holiday.

Of course there was turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes, but the table was replete with traditional foods from Syria as well, brought by families grateful for the opportunity to share.