Potsdam, NY, Nov 23, 2012 — Eritrea is a small country in the African Horn. It's been at war on and off with neighboring Ethiopia for decades. And since 2001, the government has been sending thousands of its citizens to prison for being a part of any faith group that isn't on the government's approved list of churches.

Jemila Saleh is sure she would have been sent to prison for her beliefs, if it hadn't been for a series of what she calls miracles. Just after her pastor was imprisoned, Jemila connected with a church here in the North Country, and they offered to support her escape. So in the middle of the night Jemila packed up all she could, and got on airplane with her three daughters. Members of the church picked them up at the Syracuse airport with a backseat full of blankets and winter coats, and brought them to their new apartment in Potsdam, which the church members had rented and furnished.

Four and a half years later, Jemila has a degree in finance from SUNY Canton, her daughters are in school, and Jemila is practicing her faith freely here. But the way she's kept a grip on her life, and her story, is through cooking.  Go to full article

Feb 04, 2003 — Pakistanis are continuing to flee the U.S., crossing the border north of Plattsburgh. Frightened by a new policy that requires Pakistani men to register with the U.S. government, the families are seeking asylum in Canada. Overwhelmed by hundreds of refugees, the Canadian government has begun sending people back. As Brian Mann reports, dozens of Pakistani men have been detained on immigration charges, leaving their wives and children in limbo.  Go to full article

Mar 02, 1987 — A one-hour documentary about the only refugee camp established during WW II on U.S. soil for people fleeing Nazi persecution. The camp was based at the old Fort Ontario site outside Oswego, NY. This documentary was distributed nationally to the public radio system and was recognized with an Ohio State Achievement Award in 1988. It is part of the permanent collection of the NYS Museum in Albany. Jackie Sauter and Beverly Hickman, producers; Ellen Rocco, executive producer; with special production help from Lawrence Baron.  Go to full article