The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Refugees are loving life in the City of Discovery
Recent arrivals heartened by warm welcome they have received
Dundee’s Syrian refugees are loving life in Scotland.
Four Syrian men, who travelled from camps in Jordan and Lebanon to start new lives in the City of Discovery, yesterday spoke of their experiences.
All escaped war in cities like Daraa and Homs before arriving in Scotland.
They have since taken it upon themselves to volunteer with groups like Taught By Muhammad to assist their integration into the local community.
Thamer Humsi, who has been in the city for eight months, said ordinary Dundonians have welcomed him and his friends with open arms.
The experienced farmer revealed: “It’s been a wonderful experience here in Dundee.
“Dundee is a beautiful city and the people are wonderful. Everyone smiles and shows compassion.
“That makes me feel more confident and included. I want to feel part of the community and contribute to life here.”
Thamer believes the Yusuf Youth Initiative (YYI), who operate the Taught By Muhammad project he works as part of, has given him a huge boost.
He revealed: “I don’t believe without support of YYI that I would feel the same. YYI has been a great support and they have helped us integrate into the Scottish community.”
Tayseer Al-Balkhi, who only arrived in Dundee a week ago, said: “It’s far better than the situation we faced in Lebanon.
“Here there has been a very positive welcome. The hospitality has been great.
“The YYI arranged hot meals for us and gave us groceries. We already feel part of the Scottish community.”
Imaad Zakariya, who also arrived last week, added: “It’s a very positive experience for us. Dundee is very nice and beautiful.”
Refugee support officer Vali Hussein, who has worked closely with all four men since their arrival, said support cafes like the one operated by Taught By Muhammad are key in helping refugees settle into their new lives.
He said: “This is a very empowering project. People are given a very positive message about our faith.
“It empowers them and helps them learn English. They are all very keen to learn English and this opportunity to come here really gives them a positive experience.”
The gratitude of Syrian refugees housed in Tayside is almost tangible. Having survived some of the world’s most terrifying war zones, they are loving their time in the City of Discovery.
One could quite understand if they withdrew into the shadows on arrival in Scotland, preferring to hide away and recover from the horrors they have witnessed. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, they are going all out to play an important and valuable part in the life of their new communities.
Yesterday The Courier spoke with Syrian men who have taken up volunteering roles in the city.
One said his experiences in Dundee had been “wonderful”. Of course, the people of Tayside also deserve great credit. The refugees described locals as having been hugely welcoming – always ready with a smile.
These have been truly turbulent times and the refugee crisis is far from over.
We can all be proud that this area has played a part in showing compassion and hospitality to some of those most in need.
There are problems locally but meeting those who have been forced to flee their homes amid such terrifying scenes is a reminder of just how lucky we are.
It is a pleasure to share our good fortune with them.