First Syrian family of 5 welcomed to Belleville by members of the faith coalition which eventually sponsored 23 from the same extended family -- December 11, 2015
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Syrian civil war, a brutal conflict which has killed between 400,000 and 600,000 children, women, and men. In addition, another 11 million have become refugees or are internally displaced. This is a staggering humanitarian crisis, and the rest of the world simply hasn't known how to respond.Lebanon and Turkey have been overwhelmed with these refugees who live in terrible conditions and often undertake dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea with disastrous outcomes. European nations including Italy have adopted policies which have essentially rejected these migrants, to the point that those involved in humanitarian rescue are being prosecuted as criminals.
As you will know, Canada responded to this crisis five years ago, opening the immigration gates to roughly 25,000 of these refugees. Many of them were sponsored by faith communities, often working in coalitions of dedicated people from all walks of life. Scores of Syrians came to Quinte/Prince Edward County, and the majority have thrived and now contribute to Canadian society. It is so heartening.
Today it's important to realize that the need to welcome refugees is still great, despite the pandemic. There is a family which will soon arrive in Prince Edward Country, and a sponsor group in Quinte West has been informed that a family which it has anticipated for nearly five years -- five years! -- may soon be able to come to Canada.
Many earnest prayers, public and private, were offered in 2015 and into 2016. We can continue to pray for an end to what amounts to genocide in Syria, and that we continue to be a compassionate and hospitable society.
Syrian refugee children in Lebanese camp
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