Unsung heroes who rescue Syria’s refugees

Viewpoint: Christian Science Monitor (excerpted) Syria’s war has escalated, driving more civilians into exile and forcing NATO to send ships to intercept them. The diplomatic uncertainties about peace are high. Yet one good thing has remained constant during the five-year conflict: Ordinary residents in neighbouring states continue to open their homes or come to the rescue of the refugees, who now number more than three million.

The 28-nation European Union is still in political crisis over its proper response to the flow of refugees. And Turkey’s officials have come under criticism for closing off some border crossings. As these leaders sort out their differences, however, volunteers in a network of solidarity are still welcoming the fleeing Syrians out of self-sacrifice.

This reality of hope was highlighted this week by a group of more than 230 Western academics and others who submitted nearly 700,000 signatures to nominate volunteers on the Greek islands near Turkey for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Thousands of Greeks have worked to save desperate refugees on small boats. “With their actions, they drowned fear and racism in a wave of compassion,” the petition states. “They fundraised; opened their homes; dove into treacherous waters to save lives; took care of the sick and the injured; shared a meal or their garments with new arrivals.”

Similar scenes of compassion occur every day in other countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan. The sea rescues in Greece are often the most dramatic. And they often involve non-Muslims helping Muslims, which helps counter the Islamophobia in Europe and send a signal to Western countries about sharing the responsibility for taking in more refugees. The long duration of the islanders’ assistance also sends an important message to the rest of Europe about the need for inexhaustible hospitality.

These small acts of kindness by Greek residents are hardly enough to end Syria’s war. And other people or groups may be more deserving to win the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. But in the midst of a conflict that seems without end, they serve as a light about humanity’s innate good nature.