Friends, You can support our work at the Rural Refugee Rights Network with an etransfer to tasc@web.ca or a cheque made out to Homes not Bombs, 2583 Carling Ave., Unit M052, Ottawa, ON K2B 7H7 (earmarked RRRN). The relentless and persistent grassroots work of the Rural Refugee Rights Network helps to reunite families (like the family above, separated almost 3 years, one of a dozen long-separated Palestinian families from Gaza for whom we won permits in 2021. With your help we made a huge difference in the lives of those who had for years suffered the trauma of family separation. That pain was on top of enduring impoverished conditions in a brutal war zone with little chance of escape, and the loss of hope that anyone cared enough to work with them so they could once again enjoy the embraces of their kids, spouses and parents. As one newly reunited parent said, “You made our impossible dream come true.”
Our reunification campaign has inspired other families to come forward seeking our assistance, which is part of the work you can support with a year-end donation to the Rural Refugee Rights Network.
For over a decade, our work with a loose-knit grouping of folks in both rural and urban settings has encompassed a broad range of activity to uphold the rights of refugees and immigrants, to promote sanctuary as a viable option for those facing significant risk upon deportation, and to work towards breaking down the walls, borders and barriers that prevent some of the world’s most vulnerable people from moving freely and seeking asylum and a better life.
Along the way, we've reunited a lot of families, stopped deportations, created safe spaces for those who refused to board a plane returning them to torture, and provided action and support for refugees whose cases had simply fallen through the cracks.
Because we advocate for systemic change to end the suffering of those displaced by systemic greed and violence, we unfortunately cannot offer tax receipts. But what we can point to is a strong record of refusing to see any situation as impossible, and coming up with creative, novel solutions that set precedents so that we can open the door for others who fear they will never again see their kids or their spouses.
As we head into 2022, we have much work to do not only on individual cases, but also on seeking legislative and regulatory changes to end the punishment Canadian institutions regularly inflict on refugees for having had to flee their countries. The Liberals campaigned on introducing a new visa to bring families together during permanent residency processing. It's a good idea, but one that has to become a reality as soon as possible. Those in war zones, living under impossibly difficult conditions and traumatized by separation, cannot wait a day longer.
This summer, I got to meet the war-traumatized children of the first of the 12 reunited Palestinian refugee families. We played badminton, their eyes cautiously looking to the sky for the birdie. In Gaza, looking to the skies for these kids was equated with fear: it was filled with drones, attack helicopters, bombers, and missiles. I am so happy they can now look to the sky with joy and wonder while playing badminton. They can be kids again.
To donate to the Rural Refugee Rights Network, please send an etransfer to tasc@web.ca or a cheque made out to Homes not Bombs, 2583 Carling Ave., Unit M052, Ottawa, ON K2B 7H7 (earmarked RRRN)
Thanks for your support.
Matthew Behrens
Rural Refugee Rights Network