Windsorites should embrace Syrian refugees

Shed fear and prejudice, writes Sudip Minhas.

Windsor is a multicultural and welcoming community, borne out by the extent of diversity and the success of newcomers in the community.

Canada’s commitment to bringing in refugees from Syria, however, has seen some uncharacteristic negative narratives in the media comments and coffee shop conversations. The unfortunate and tragic terrorist attacks in Paris and California have added to the discourse of fear, hatred and Islamophobia.

Sadly, this discourse is not based on facts but rumours. Canada and Canadians have always distinguished themselves by opening their doors to those in need.

The recent announcement by the federal government to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February is a step in the right direction of upholding Canadian values. Turkey, with over two million refugees, Lebanon with over one million and Jordan with over 600,000 are hosting way more refugees — in comparison, Canada’s 25,000 refugee commitment is modest.

Canadian communities have the capacity to resettle 25,000 refugees without it posing a security or a resource risk. The whole world is looking up to us to seek inspiration and guidance in refugee resettlement.

We have had a long history of supporting and rehabilitating people who have been displaced by strife, civil war, ethnic cleansing, persecution and oppression.

In 1986, the people of Canada were awarded the Nansen medal by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in “recognition of their major and sustained contribution to the cause of refugees.” This was a first time that the people of a country were given the award and not a government or an individual.

Windsor, likewise, has contributed to the process of welcoming and resettling refugees. Windsorites have shown great compassion and have always risen to the occasion of helping those in need. We mobilize our resources and are always at the forefront of providing muchneeded relief, be it to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti or the victims of tsunamis in Southeast Asia.

And it is no different now with the Syrian refugees. So many individuals and groups have mobilized to lend their support, in whatever form, to the refugees who will be arriving shortly.

Windsor, like the rest of Canada, has benefited immensely from the positive contributions made by refugees. Historically, our communities have been enriched with the diverse skill sets brought by refugees and newcomers.

There is no doubt that communities and their institutions will have to put in resources to settle the Syrian refugees. They have been living in camps with very little access to basic necessities, and some of them might be suffering from the trauma of violence and war.

Many Syrian refugees, however, are highly educated and skilled. They are a proud people who have the capacity to quickly adapt to our communities and become productive members to give back to their new communities.

Refugees do not choose to be uprooted and displaced. It is not their choice.

They are victims of unfortunate circumstances, but as a welcoming community we cannot further victimize them by resorting to xenophobia. Ignorant and insensitive comments can only exacerbate the situation for a very vulnerable group.

Windsor undoubtedly has its own share of problems, unemployment being one of them. However, we have been struggling with the highest unemployment rate for the past few years.

The reasons and causes of that cannot be confused with the arrival of refugees.

Fear and prejudice are a result of encountering the unknown and unfamiliar. Make an effort to know the refugees in our community, it will be a rewarding experience. Make an effort to learn about the refugee selection process.

The unfortunate and hateful comments make us look bad as a community.

Windsorites have shown great compassion and have always risen to the occasion of helping those in need.