During last week’s Superstorm, I stayed with a friend in the Upper West Side, and local bar patrons asked me if I was a refugee. While I laughed in the moment, in truth, the subject should not be taken lightly.

The annual Freedom Award Dinner was held last night by the International Rescue Committee, an organization that provides relief to refugees in more than 40 countries.

The biggest challenge more than 100 school-age immigrants faced this summer was learning a new language, navigating a new culture and grasping basic city living skills at Refugee Youth Summer Academy, an education program run by the the International Rescue Committee in New York.

A warm welcome spiked with hot chili peppers was on the menu last week as two master chefs visited the International Rescue Committee’s New Roots farm at Drew Gardens in the Bronx.