London: Interfaith Welcome Refugee evening

Rafidah Al-Zeerm, Camden Welcome Refugees

More than 80 people from faith institutions across London attended a Welcome Refugee reception at the Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque Trust by Regents Park on Tuesday evening.

Parishioners from Farm St Mayfair and Holy Apostles Pimlico were among the participants.

The panel of speakers included: Tania Bright of Church Response for Refugees, Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council, Peter Tanget CARAS and Rafidah Al-Zeer of Camden Welcome Refugees.

Dr Ahmad Al-Dubagan, director of the Centre, started the evening with an inspirational message, reminding us that the "refugees is a human issue, not just a political issue." He went on to say the refugees deserve mercy. Dr Al-Dubagan said he welcomes and wants to work with all authentic refugee organisations like CitizensUK, Refugee Resettlement, Church Response to Refugees and CARAS (Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers). He also explained the need for refugees to get enculturation as well as sponsored housing. Dr Al-Dubana urged everyone, of all faiths and origins to work together for the common concerns.

Rafidah said the mosque is a place of understanding and compassion and to celebrate our differences is a source of strength.

Tania spoke about the start of Camden Welcome Refugees - part of a CitizensUK national campaign that now has approximately 620 groups throughout the UK. She made a plea for community sponsors to "adopt" a family for 1-2 years helping them get sponsored housing and enculturation. Community sponsors can be churches, mosques, synagogues or organisations who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise, in practical ways with refugee families.

Sarah Hayward was given a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation of the support Camden Council has given to the various agencies and organisations helping to resettle refugees. Sarah pledged to accept more refugees in Camden and wouldn't stop campaigning for them.

Ms Hayward said she was filled with rage in 2015 when it was decided to let refugees drown instead of being rescued. Sara, who is also involved with the Holy Cross Centre Trust and St Pancras Refugee Centre said we must keep pressure on government.

There were three workshops offered dealing with Community Sponsorship: how to get started with community resettlement schemes; Sponsored Housing: the process of renting to resettlers; and Coffee Club: organising safe spots for refugees and volunteers to offer enculturation services and other practical help.

Andrew Jacobs from Finchley Reformed Synagogue, shared their experience in establishing their coffee club that also offers a Mum and Toddlers group that has a crèche allowing mums to take English language classes. He stressed the importance of building a relationship with your borough council and getting them on board to help.

There was inspiration a plenty as well as hope in this event.