Yesterday I was deeply moved by the images of the first Syrian refugees arriving in Canada.
It put me in mind of a lecture I attended a few weeks ago by the fine American historian Keith Griffler, whose work focuses on fugitive slaves and the underground railway. Griffler writes powerfully about the courage and perseverance of fugitive slaves, who fled through hostile lands, often with little more than their wits and the clothes on their backs to sustain them. He reminds us that it was these fugitives who created the underground railway, along the way shaping the world views of the white people who collaborated with them. Their courage and perseverance left an indelible mark on America.
It is the courage and perseverance of the Syrian refugees that most moves me. They have left behind everything – their homes, their possessions, their neighbors and friends – and fled through hostile lands. They have lived, often for years, in the poverty and anomy of refugee camps, holding together their families and clinging to their hopes and dreams.
The Syrian refugees come to us like a gift, bringing to our country their courage and perseverance. I know that they will need our collaboration as they set down roots among us, but I equally know that we Canadians (and Americans too) will gain by their addition to our society.
So Welcome! Welcome! A thousand times Welcome!