In a week’s time more than 5,000 petitions have been signed in support of the immediate release of Oaklyn resident Iemad Saifo from Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey. The federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has become infamous for its poor conditions where another detainee recently died.On July 31 at a routine immigration check-in Saifo, well known in the Collingswood area as the restauranteur and owner of Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine, was unexpectedly detained by ICE. His daughter Zena said on Saturday she has been able to talk to her father daily.Father Tries to Assure Family“He says not to worry - as any father would,” she said. Aside from the record of Delaney Hall, family and supporters do worry about 65-year-old Iemad who has health complications that can put him at risk in detention. Aside from supporting his family through the restaurant, Saifo has an 11-year-old autistic son, Aboudie, for whom he serves as the primary caregiver.Supporters came from near and far Saturday. Lamia Abdallah drove with friends over two hours to support the Saifo family. As a member of America’s Arab community as well as a fellow Muslim, Abdallah felt compelled to stand up for a person that has been a law-abiding contributor to the community. Abdallah, herself born overseas, immigrated with family at a young age and is now a US citizen. The detention of Saifo alarms the Arab-American community. “If this can happen to Iemad then it can happen to anyone,” she said.Another Collingswood StoryFellow Collingswood restauranteur Muhammad Emanet who operates Jersey Kebab signed a petition for Saifo’s release on Saturday afternoon. Emanet, whose mother was detained at Delaney Hall last year and released, has been trying to get his application for a green card approved after immigration officials sent notice they intended to deny his application. After filing additional paperwork including letters of support and paying $3,000 in filing fees, Emanet said he still has not heard from immigration officials about his case.Iemad entered the country legally from Idlib, Syria, almost 25 years ago and has continued to pursue legal procedures to remain in the country. The US State Department travel advisory lists Syria as Level 4, which means do not travel for any reason.Broad Support From CommunityResidents of The Retrospect area, from all different backgrounds, turned up Saturday to present identification and sign petitions notarized by Haddon Township residents Noel Hecht. “I try to do what I can to help,” he said of his volunteer services. He has talked with Hispanic residents in Camden City. ICE actions there have put a chill on the community and crushed local businesses. Those conversations and what has been unfolding locally led him to recall trips to Poland, where he has visited several times and witnessed the concentration camps from World War II. Those experiences have shaped his view of the immigration issue at home.Deporting law-abiding members of a community trying to make a good life here, is a dangerous position for American society. Ousting others “can start in so many places but that can only end in one place,” he said.Sitting next Hecht, an older woman wearing a Star of David necklace sat ready to sign the petition. Before she did she remarked that her late husband immigrated illegally many years ago. He overstayed a visa but it was not considered a big deal at the time so he never followed up.Where had he immigrated from? “Australia."What NextAnother petition signing will be held at Zena’s American Mediterranean Cuisine at 400 Richey Ave., Collingswood from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, from 3 to 5 p.m. Bring identification to get your petition notarized.A fundraiser to support the family is still ongoing.