Jersey Kebab reopened March 30 with a free feast for the community

Celal and Emine Emanet and their family worked on Sunday, March 30, to thank a community that has rallied and raised money on their behalf, offering all comers free meals of falafel, rice, salad, and baklava. People insisted the family accept donations for the food, and green bills soon filled an aluminum serving tray. Until last month the Emanets were known mostly to their customers. But on Feb. 25 they became national news, after ICE agents appeared at the restaurant and arrested Celal Emanet and his wife, Emine Emanet. He was fitted with an ankle monitor and released, while she spent two weeks and a day in ICE detention before being freed on bond. Both now face federal deportation proceedings. Inside on Sunday, people wrapped their arms around Emine and shared a hearty “Welcome back!” with Celal, who worked behind the grill. Eldest son Muhammed, who manages the restaurant, made sure to personally thank everyone for their help and kindness as they departed with their food.