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| A Canadian Welcome for the Refugees at Pearson Airport |
A reader posted this comment on the news website Orient News in Dubai:
“history is going to write how Muslims in general and Arabs in particular did not stand up for Syrians whereas foreigners did and were more merciful and supportive.”
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| Volunteers sorting clothing donations for the refugees |
The unplanned but coincidental performance by an Ottawa children's choir that sang a traditional Muslim song Tala Al Badru Alayna (The Full Moon Rose Over Us) also elicited huge reaction in the Arab media.
by ordinary Canadians
Calwlisse.com in Morocco called the performance “a legendary scene that is hard to be believed ” and pointed out that efforts to welcome Syrian refugees were being made not only by government but by ordinary Canadians.
Another reader of Orient News wrote: “You sang a song that is the most cherished to our hearts in a time when many countries of our own skin let us down.”
Needless to say Canada and Canadians have a right to be grateful for these praises but knowing also, as Canadians we are doing it for human dignity and not praise.
A challenge to the refugees by Erem news in Abu Dhabi indicated that they take advantage of their good fortune saying,
“All that is required from the Syrian refugee now is to work, study and respect the laws and regulations of their new country. In addition, you are required to respect its traditions and customs and try to integrate within your new society as well as working on serving and developing it.”So while the Erem news makes a challenge to the refugees, let us try to help them fulfil that challenge.
Wish them a Merry Christmas.