The Knoxville Rotary Club recognized a small business owner Tuesday for his impact on the community.
Yassin, the owner of "Yassin's Falafel House" received the peace award Tuesday.
The Rotary Club says Yassin earned the honor because of his message of acceptance to people of all walks of life. He says he's grateful for the honor especially because of his roots.
"This was like something unreal. This is a really big deal for me to be in Knoxville and get this peace award. I spent all my life dreaming about peace, especially coming from a war zone," Yassin Terou, Yassin's Falafel House owner, said.
Yassin immigrated to the U.S. from Syria in 2011. The Rotary Club also said Yassin embodies the values of that organization.