HADDON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A beloved kebab restaurant in South Jersey, forced to shut down in late February after ICE agents arrested its owners, reopened to the community Sunday with an outpour of thanks to those who supported them.
Around 2 p.m., dozens lined up outside Haddon Township’s Jersey Kebab for free gyro platters in celebration of Emine Emanet’s return.
On Feb. 25, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Emine and her husband Celal, forcing their restaurant to close indefinitely. Celal was released later that day with an ankle monitor, but Emine remained in detention until March 12.
In response, community members donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep the family afloat and pay for legal expenses and left handwritten notes of love and solidarity on the restaurant's windows.
Celal acknowledges much of the response was in recognition of the generosity he and his family have extended over the years, from their welcoming service to the free food they give to those in need.
“My father taught me if you are generous, by God, people have appreciation for you. People pray for you. And we need blessings all the time. Money comes and goes,” he said.
Muhammad, the couple’s eldest son, says having his mom back has meant the world to him.
“Right back to usual, my mom’s in the house, telling us to pick up our laundry, empty out the dishwasher, make food, set the table, cause my mom is the official commander not only in the kitchen here but in the kitchen in our house as well.”
The couple arrived in the United States legally from Turkey in 2008 but lost status when their visas expired. New Jersey Congressman Donald Norcross said earlier this month that they tried many times to renew, but their case kept getting delayed, keeping them in limbo.
Celal has a court date set for May 27. The family is trying to get Emine’s hearing on the same day.
Joe Pfeiffer from Haddon Township is a regular at Jersey Kebab and hopes there will be a happy ending for the family.
“These people didn’t hurt a fly, they run their own business, they’re model citizens in this community.”
The restaurant will start selling food during its normal hours on Tuesday, April 1.