In light of the tragic civil war in Syria, millions of Syrian refugees are waiting for many countries to open their doors and give them a second chance for a better and peaceful life. There is an estimated 4.3 million Syrians that have been reported displaced.
Last December 10, 2015, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally welcomed 160 Syrian individuals and families who escaped the war and the first batch of refugees who arrived in Canada.
Member of the provincial Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Vancouver – Kensington, Mable Elmore, likewise conducted a community public forum last December 19, 2015 at the Polish Community Centre in East Vancouver. The forum was held to discuss ways on how the people can help Syrian refugees’ transition to a better life and make their re-settlement easy. It also provided a venue and an eye opening discussion between the public and Syrian refugees, who had become successful professionals.
“Here in Vancouver, we wanted to play a role and engage our communities in different projects that are going on to welcome refugees.”
– Mable Elmore, MLA Vancouver-Kensington
Elmore observed there are scores of refugees, both families and individuals, who are fleeing the civil war in Syria. She noted that the positive announcement of federal government to accept 12,000 to 25,000 refugees from Syria will trigger an outpouring of support across Canada.
“Here in Vancouver, we wanted to play a role and engage our communities in different projects that are going on to welcome refugees,” Elmore said.
Member of the provincial Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Vancouver – Kensington, Mable Elmore. Photo by Simply the Best – The Luisa Marshall Show
The special political circumstances and the root causes of the Syrian civil war and the horrific stories as to why Syrians are fleeing their country by the millions were discussed and presented.
Liza Bautista of the Immigrant Services Society of BC gave a presentation about what happens when the refugees get to British Columbia. Vancouver city councilor Geoff Meggs likewise gave a pep talk to the enthusiastic crowd.
“The city of Vancouver is the junior level government that have a lot of involvement with the concerns of newcomers,” said Meggs.
He emphasized that it was important to see the creation of a city culture that is both inclusive and tolerant and supports the interest and economic well-being of newcomers.
It was explained that there are more initiatives underway and that the forum aims to build bridges for organizations, groups and individuals to connect and help the in the smooth transition of the Syrian refugees to becoming Canadians.
Other organizations and individuals who came to support the forum were: The Capilano Women Resources Association, The Syrian Canadian Council of BC, The Islamic Society of BC, The Langara Muslim Student Association, Migrante BC, MLA Vancouver- Hastings, Shane Simpson, Mohammed Khan – leader and advocate for human rights and program coordinator.
Khan said, “One of the big things that each MLA’s here and council members to focus on is that these people are displaced in camps.”
“Be careful on how you think you want to support them, not everybody is able to handle used clothing at this point and time. Until the refugees come in and we know the specific city where they live, we cannot really mobilize tracks of groceries. Money is the most flexible to help.” Khan added.
Kei Esmaeilpour, refugee camp volunteer and technical advisor with Doctors Without Borders, showed a presentation of the history of Syria and what it has become now, while members from the Syrian community of BC spoke about their experiences coming to Canada and how it impacted their lives.
