New Zealand: the Far-the Near
By: Majed Almohamed
My memory could keep an event some thirty years ago, when many people from my town sent immigration applications by fax at that time. As I was studying English language at university, those people came to me to fill their forms, and even I was encouraged and filled one for myself. However, no one could leave there as the announcement was not trusted, but people tried to leave their country although they knew very little about the targeted land, as internet was not available. In fact, this endeavor unveiled the existing wish of most people to leave, aspiring for better life conditions, thinking that any other places could be better, even if unknown.
This event came to my mind after I heard that many Syrians could reach New Zealand, the far country, fleeing from the disastrous situation prevailing in Syria for almost a decade. In fact, getting to this remote country located on the other side of the globe, to the southeastern of Pacific Ocean, shows, on one hand, the tremendous crisis that lead them to think of going to such geographically distant land, and how attractive it is to go to, on the other hand.
Nevertheless, the information about New Zealand has become available through internet. It consists of two main islands with a population of approximately 5 million people. It includes Māori, Europeans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. They are commonly known as welcoming people. In addition, the country is good at education, civil liberties, and economic freedom. Such population diversity and merits let the country receive immigrants and refugees even from earlier times. The Syrian refugees who could get there are receiving good care and help on both the governmental and social levels, whether in the field of education or humanitarian aids. New Zealanders are friendly, and they show sympathy to those suppressed refugees who left their countries due to wars and ruling regimes' prejudice and brutality.
Actually, the government intends to receive more refugees as per certain conditions. It is worth saying that although New Zealand is considered as part of the western world, and it belongs to Commonwealth, its formal attitude concerning what's been going on in Syria is appreciated. The world has been watching the clash in Syria for several years without taking any substantial attempt to stop this tragic massacre, let alone contributing in it in some way or another.
By following the situation in New Zealand, the human touch could be felt during the bloody event of two mosques through the behavior of the society and Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden. She has administered this awful event quite successfully, and maintained the social unity in spite of this level of terror and big number of casualties. Such rational and affectionate leadership is -unfortunately- missing in our country, the thing that leads us –Syrians- to wish and dream of having such type of human and disciplined leaders.
As a matter of duty and thanksgiving, we have to spot light on such attitudes and favors done towards our people and dilemma. This behavior coming from far remote country and people is worth mentioning, and makes it very near and close to us as humans. In the era of globalization and social media, the most important thing is to prove and show one's human and positive aspects in order to gain others' hearts and love.