By Erick Ramirez-Velez (Contributor) Email
As an immigrant, I have always viewed Canada as a place that accepted everyone. Growing up and going to school with people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds was normal for me. Even though I knew I was Mexican and my classmates were not, I always saw us as the same. We were all just people in my mind, which is why I was happy to hear that Abbotsford would be hosting a portion of the Syrian refugees accepted into Canada. I saw it as Canada helping more people.
Last month roughly 25 Syrian families were welcomed into Abbotsford, and the community response was, for the most part, positive. Many organizations had prepared for the refugees’ arrival, including the UFV Arab club which ran a donation drive in late December along with many other UFV clubs. Numerous churches, mosques, and individual families also helped via private sponsorship. But, while the donations and support came rushing in, so did the cynicism of those against the aid of the Syrian refugees.
Many skeptics were quick to voice their concerns regarding the new arrivals, some going as far as to make allegations of potential terrorist threats towards the Syrians. I found this ridiculous and unwarranted. The last terrorist attack to take place in Canada was committed by a mentally disturbed French-Canadian citizen, which is why I find the rejection of the refugees to be illogical and motivated by fear — a fear that has spread from American news outlets into Canadian homes.
We have the benefit of being part of a student body that welcomes ethnic and religious diversity. I would like to see this mentality spread far beyond our campus. I want it to spread into our workplaces and our neighbourhoods, because there is still more we could do to help those in need of refuge. Many local business owners have offered part-time job opportunities to some of the refugees. Some residents have even offered their own living space to families in need of room and board. Even students have given what they can in small donations. This warms my heart and gives me hope for the future of our community.
This refugee crisis will not end overnight. There are still many people without homes, food, and / or shelter. Our government has already stated that it intends to take in more refugees, so this is just the first group of new immigrants to hit Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland. Our towns are only going to get more populous, more diverse, and more exciting. Our attitude towards these refugees will determine the nature of our community. We need to abandon the “us versus them” mentality and remember that in Canada “us” includes everybody.
