Reflections

As a Kurd growing up in Tehran, I was a minority. I was only six years old when war between Iran and Iraq started and sixteen years old when it stopped. My family and I were fortunate to be in the capital, far away from the border with Iraq. We could afford to travel to safety when needed but it didn't shield us from the war. We still experienced bombings, missile attacks, and terrifying escapes to shelters. Being Kurds, we also lived with discrimination.

I chose to move to France with my husband-to-be for our education and to experience a different culture. We lived there for six years. We made amazing friends and had a great experience. We also witnessed how segregated and discriminated some groups of people were.

We could stay in France or even go back to Iran. We chose to immigrate to Canada after a lot of research and discussion. We chose to come to Canada because of its values. We believed that Canada is a country where we could be proud of our heritage and feel part of its society. Our kids wouldn't have to choose between being a Kurd, Iranian or Canadian. They wouldn't be discriminated or judged because of their faith or their cultural background. We believed that Canada was the country that helped those in need during war and conflicts. A country whose mandate was to bring peace and stability. My husband and I valued this greatly.

I share this because I want to say, why it's vital we support a Syrian family. These people are running away from a horrific war and situation that has been ongoing for quite a few years. They are running away from the same people that committed those horrifying acts of terror in Paris. If we turn our backs on the refugees, after what happened in Paris: What kind of message are we sending? These refugees might be from the same faith and from the same region as the terrorists but they are not the same people. They do not believe in the same values, otherwise they would not be running away, risking their childrens' lives for a better future. The little boy, whose picture on the sandy beach raised our compassion. There are more like him who need our help.