Yemeni-Americans shut hundreds of shops in New York City to protest travel ban

By Gina Cherelus

REUTERS

 

A sign saying "My family is detained at JFK" hangs in the window of a closed bodega during a Yemeni protest against President Donald Trump's travel ban, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S. February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

 

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hundreds of New York City bodegas, grocery stores and restaurants owned by Yemeni Americans closed for hours on Thursday in protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies, organizers said.

 

Loyal patrons who rely on the stores for staples of daily life had to look elsewhere for lunch after more than 1,000 locations shut their doors from noon to 8 p.m. in a move coordinated by groups including the Muslim Community Network and the Yemeni American Community.

 

Bodega, a Spanish word meaning wine shop, is New York City slang for small stores selling everything from deli foods to newspapers and cat litter.

 

"We want to send the message that we're here," said Sulaiman Alaodyi, a 24-year-old cashier at the Best and Tasty deli in the borough of the Bronx, a bodega that is normally open around the clock. This was the first time it closed its doors since it started business nine months ago.

 

The protests followed the decision by Trump's administration to put a four-month hold on letting refugees into the United States and to temporarily bar travellers from Yemen, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Somalia.

 

The order, which is being challenged in U.S. courts, left some travellers stranded and others held at airports on arrival. It provoked an outpouring of anger and dismay from immigrants, refugees and supporters.

 

Many store owners and workers who shut up shop were going to rally and hold public sundown prayers outside Brooklyn Borough Hall.

 

"We're going to go out and support all our brothers and sisters who are detained in airports and in other countries that can't get back," Alaodyi said. "This is just not fair."

 

New York City is home to many immigrants from Yemen, a country of about 24 million in the Arabian Peninsula. Many live in Brooklyn, but some are in Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx.

 

Golden Deli, a Yemeni-owned bodega in Manhattan, was swelling with customers who picked up early lunches before it closed. Nermin Radoncic, 22, walked up shortly after workers pulled down the shutters at noon.

 

Radoncic, who lives nearby but is moving to Queens, was disappointed he could not buy a pastrami and Swiss sandwich on his last day in the neighbourhood. But he said he supported the protest.

 

"They make the bomb sandwiches," Radoncic said of Golden Deli. "This is like the best deli out here. Trump is a jerk."

 

(Reporting by Gina Cherelus; Editing by Daniel Wallis and David Gregorio)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-02-03

A troll post has been removed.  

 

Close your business and loose money, but I guess you do draw attention to your cause.

That said,  I don't really think there is anyone who is not heard about the 7 country

immigration suspension. Of course poorly handled in a ham handed manor with poor

communication. Back and forth on dual nationality citizens, "green" card holders.

You either support/understand Trumps executive order, or you don't. Really no need

to shut down your business, but up to you.

Most all their business is selling to other Yamenis. Of course , there is the push carts selling 'whatever' on the streets that is also part of this hundreds of shops closing. They can stay closed; besides they wouldn't have a business where they are from.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

after more than 1,000 locations shut their doors from noon to 8 p.m. in a move coordinated by groups including the Muslim Community Network and the Yemeni American Community.

Pay attention Donald. A 1000 locations shut down. Really. I guess that makes your "everything going smoothly" statement one big fat fib. Maybe its time to measure your nose for future reference. 

Bet that has brought the city to its knees

Pay attention Donald. A 1000 locations shut down. Really. I guess that makes your "everything going smoothly" statement one big fat fib. Maybe its time to measure your nose for future reference. 

As if Big Don gives a shirt about some closed shops. As long as his businesses aren't affected, he could care less.

Good that these 1000 shops self identified. Now, people know not to go to them.

If I were a Trump voter in the US I'd quit using Yemeni delis period. Just like I've decided to cease my patronage of Starbuks.

 

Edited February 3, 20179 yr by jesimps

This is all getting very boring. Any Country has a RIGHT to do whatever necessary to protect its borders. Unless you are Native American then you are an Immigrant of sorts.  These people have all gone mad. Americans are out of their minds right now and getting overtaken by China and Russia. 

2 hours ago, jerojero said:

As if Big Don gives a shirt about some closed shops. As long as his businesses aren't affected, he could care less.

They could be future domino's to fall. Nordstrum has already drastically cut back on Ivanka's brands because they apparently "were not selling" she went from 30 some articles on sale to nine. The Trump lovers better double up on their purchase of Trump items as the anti Trumpers are on the march to boycott his merchandise. Is any of his "stuff" made in the USA? He is touting buy American. You cannot fool all the people all the time. 

Edited February 3, 20179 yr by elgordo38

Just hope McDonald's doesn't follow through, only then will you see rioting