Resource May 12, 2016

Meet the Journalist: Robin Shulman

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Most countries fostering an influx of Syrian refugees are seeing a backlash. Canada is riding a wave...

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Raghda hugs a snowman
Raghda Altellawi hugs a snowman she discovers on her first day of school in Canada. Image by Robin Shulman. Canada, 2016.

Robin Shulman traveled to Toronto to write about Canada's system for private citizens to sponsor Syrian refugees. She found a city rallying around Syrians with many different groups sponsoring refugees—a dog-walking group, a book club, a choir, a block association. Businesses were contributing, too—grocery stores were offering food, and Ikea Canada provided furniture. In the U.S., the public dialogue has played on a fear of refugees. In Canada, the public conversation has focused on concrete steps people were taking to help specific families. Canadians have come to view incoming Syrians as people like themselves who happen to be in need, as future neighbors, and as citizens. Shulman found a story about how human connection can change lives and change policy.

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Topic

Migration and Refugees

Migration and Refugees