Like it or not, the Syrian refugees are in Bourbon Country. And while their Muslim faith prevents them from consuming Kentucky’s bourbon, they’ll have a chance to see one of Louisville’s top bars up close and personal.

Louisville’s popular tiki bar / restaurant El Camino (Silver Dollar’s sister bar) is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the Syrian refugees.

Like most Americans, I’ve closely followed the Syrian refugee debate and am torn between national security and the decency of man. The same people who want to chop off our heads are holding American values hostage, and it’s a sobering, difficult time to ponder our country’s next move. Stuck in the middle of the greater Islamic terrorism debate are these Syrian refugees.

Now that Syrian refugees are here, good and intelligent people question whether ISIS members are posing as refugees or if the majority of this country’s governors refusal will be used in ISIS recruiting efforts. I’m remembering my time in the Middle East: In early 2004, the Iraqi population loved soldiers, often thanking us for freeing them. After 60 Minutes aired the Abu Ghraib abuse in April 2004, I noticed a marketable difference in the population’s attitude toward us. The waves and “thank you” turned into dark stares, while we faced increased attacks and insurgents used Abu Ghraib in their recruiting efforts. That was a crossroads, and I can’t help but think the Syrian refugee situation is another crossroads for the American people.

That’s why I’m fascinated with El Camino’s Larry Rice’s decision to host the refugees. Our country’s fate may very well be judged by the acts of ordinary people.

I submitted questions via email and Rice provided a written response.

Why are you feeding the Syrian refugees on Thanksgiving?

We feel like it’s the decent thing to do. … Thanksgiving is a great American tradition and we can’t think of a better time to welcome these families to our table to break bread. They have been uprooted from their homes and relocated to the other side of the world to a place that they were most likely told was the enemy. We feel like this is a good opportunity not just to help but also to show them and ourselves that we aren’t really that different.

 Many believe the Syrian refugees pose a security threat to the United States. These include public statements from Democrats, Republicans and the majority of this country’s governors. Do you have concerns that there’s potentially a terrorist in the group?

What we’re doing isn’t politically or religiously motivated. Our volunteers come from all walks of life.

My old boss and mentor told me something years ago that always stuck with me. He was a very generous man and when I asked him if he ever felt like he might be taken advantage of because of his generosity he responded: ‘I’m not going to miss an opportunity to help some one who needs it because I might get screwed over.’ I get that this isn’t the same thing but the ideology became a part of who I am. If it’s the right thing to do, you do it without considering what it might cost you.

How did you arrange this dinner?

We reached out to the Kentucky Refugee Ministries and asked them about relocated refugees in the area and if there would be an interest in some of the family’s joining us for Thanksgiving. They were overwhelmed and now we’re hosting roughly 100 refugees. Not all of them are from Syria, but the majority are.

Syrians are Muslims, who do not drink. El Camino has a lot of open liquor. Will you be covering your alcohol products to not offend them? How are you preparing the meal to meet their cultural needs?

Yes, we will be covering the alcohol out of respect. I’m not a religious man but when my family prays, I pray with them because I respect them and respect their beliefs.

Our chef and team have been researching Muslim traditions and we are trying to make most of the food offered fit into their beliefs. We have ordered Halal lamb and Turkeys and we’re making a few traditional Syrian dishes, hoping this will give them a familiar welcoming feeling. Any items being donated we are asking for the recipes and have a translator typing them up in Arabic, English and Spanish to avoid any food allergy and religious issues.

Did the organizers give you a demographic breakdown of who you are preparing dinner for?

They gave us a general Idea, mostly Syrian, some Somalian and Cuban refugees as well. We are expecting a more solid assessment later today.

You publicly stated on Facebook you’re seeking volunteers and supplies. How has the response been?

Unbelievable. We were expecting a handful of volunteers and in our minds it would be pretty similar to a normal Thanksgiving dinner. We have had hundreds of people reach out wanting to help. The messages I received were heartfelt, compassionate people wanting to do something and wanting to add purpose their Thanksgiving.

There will be people who read this and applaud your goodwill, and others who think you’re naive about the situation. How do you hope the public will respond?

I know, I hope that the people who would have issue with this gesture see that we are just trying to be humane. That with all the conflict in the world that these gestures are necessary. That the tyranny that we are fighting in the Middle East is exactly what these families are fleeing and that welcoming them as allies is the better alternative. My enemy’s enemy is my friend.

Do you have anything you’d like to add?

Anyone wanting to help that can’t on Thanksgiving, the KRM is in need of warm clothing for the families, all ages. There are a lot of children and they have nothing. Toys would probably be a great distraction for them and a step in the right direction to making the next generation of Middle Eastern immigrants part of our community and not our enemy.