Syrian Refugees, Syrian/Canadians

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink?  And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ 

                                           Matthew 25: 37-40 NRSVue 

In 2015 I was approached by a Bridge St. United Church member, Dr. Ian Sutherland, about the possibility of sponsoring a Syrian refugee family. This was before the federal government undertook a significant sponsorship initiative, although I'd already had a conversation with another Belleville UCC colleague, the Rev. Cathy Russell about this possibility. Neither of us clergy had a clue about how we might do this but Ian was remarkable in getting us underway.

It turned out that there was a "heavenly host" of willing and highly capable people who worked tirelessly to make this happen. We began with a family of five but over time this number grew to 23. 

This became one of the highlights of my ministry, both for the opportunity provided for a new life for these courageous immigrants and in terms of the spirit of cooperation and hospitality on the part of the local participants. Our newfound connection with the Bellevile mosque was deeply rewarding and I often referred to the Arabic speakers of that Muslim faith community as an "Allah-send." Our first phone conversation with the initial family living in a Lebanese refugee camp happened in my study with a local translator who was originally from Syria. 

Today Ian circulated an annual report regarding the families that was both factual and touching. Just recently I read a nasty online comment by someone who claimed that Syrian refugees had not found their way into Canadian society and were a financial burden. So much for that xenophobic and mean-spirited observation. 

I have to say that Ian deserves a medal -- literally -- for his tireless efforts through the years. Surely there should be an Order of Practical Compassion and Ian should be a recipient.

Here is a portion of the report. God bless you Ian, and all those who have taken part!

Annual Report 2023 United Syrian Family Support (Belleville) slightly adapted with names removed

The United Syrian Family Support (Belleville) or (USFS [B]), was a partnership of 6 faith communities of which Bridge Street and St Matthews United Churches were the founding members. USFS (B) submitted six Immigration Refugee & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) private refugee sponsorship applications in 2015 and 2016, all approved. Four families and 3 grandparents named in the applications arrived in Belleville as Permanent Refugees between December 2015 and March 2017. By 31 December 2022, three of the four families (save one adult) and the three grandparents had been sworn in as Canadian citizens.

On 20 January 2023, the fourth family was invited to the Joseph Howe Building in Ottawa to participate in their citizenship ceremony. 

Educational Update: At the Loyalist College of Applied Arts & Technology two cousins graduated in June 2023, one as a Chemical Engineering Technician and the other as a Computer Technician graduated, both on the Dean’s List.

Employment Update: All newcomers are financially independent of the USFS (B) sponsorship group. Satisfactory employment has been found for those wishing and able to work. Two of the families have developed sufficient comfort and confidence in their capacities in Canada to have relocated to a larger municipality (Ottawa) in 2022. USFS (B) members have universal admiration for their “spreading of wings”, and for their confidence in their ability to “survive and prosper” in a larger and more challenging environment, yet one with more employment opportunities.

Summative Comment: The newcomers, now Canadian citizens, have embraced their lives in their “new country”. They speak frequently of the opportunities which they recognize exist in Canada for their children, opportunities that are open to all persons, not limited by sectarian violence and/or socioeconomic factors.

                                                       Our Initial Syrian family in Belleville