SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —As Russian aggression continues, Syracuse and Onondaga County are preparing for any arriving refugees from Ukraine. Syracuse is ready to become a ‘safe haven’ for Ukrainian refugees, like it has been previously for Afghan evacuees.
The number of refugees fleeing across the borders of Ukraine has reached a grim milestone since Russian forces invaded a week ago. According to the United Nations, more than 1.3 million people have fled over the borders of neighboring European countries into a frightening and uncertain future just a week after Russian rockets began to slam into Ukraine.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon urged federal authorities to send refugees from the war to Central New York.
The two officials also noted that Onondaga County has a history of resettling refugees from around the world. Walsh and McMahon are among several leaders in the United States who have announced an eagerness to help resettle Ukrainian refugees.
Catholic Charities and InterFaith Works of Central New York will ensure the city and county are prepared for any arriving refugees.
“They lost their jobs,” Marwah Alobaidi said, the Resettlement Services Director of InterFaith Works “They lost their home, their family, they lost everything.”
InterFaith Works has long experience in the field of helping refugees
“We’ve been resettling refugees in Syracuse for four years. And what we have is the refugees are coming from different backgrounds, some are engineers, doctors, and neighbors,” Alobaidi continued.
According to Alobaidi, InterFaith Works is trying its best to resettle refugees with employment and housing.
“At InterFaith Works we have an employment division that helps people with unemployment,” Alobaidi said, “For example, we have a program that supports people who are at entry level positions, labor positions, manufacturers in factories.”
InterFaith Works has a six-to-eight week job training program designed for refugees. This can help any refugees in evaluating and finding the best employment which fits their background.
InterFaith Works anticipated helping 200 evacuees coming to Syracuse. It would set up housing, supply food and provide support as both the Afghans and Ukrainians work to rebuild their lives in this new city.
Alobaidi stated that refugees will affect the economy and employment rates.
“We’ve seen people who have been here for sometime and they start to purchase and rent houses and become new landlords, ” Alobaidi said. “So bringing in refugees really flourishes that area. This community is so brave.”
Syracuse University Refugee Course Professor Lamis Abdelaaty said that refugees would bring huge benefits to Syracuse.
“There’s an economic benefit from resettling refugees to a place like Syracuse,” Abdelaaty said. “And that’s part of the reason why the local government in Syracuse has been very receptive for refugees.”
Abdelaaty thought it’s also a huge challenge for refugees.
“Not only you are in a new environment that you’re completely unfamiliar with, but you just escaped a war,” Abdelaaty said. “And then on top of that, unfortunately, many people experience racism and persecution.”
The history of previous refugee movements in Syracuse shows they assimilate well and become part of the community in Syracuse. They make the Syracuse area richer in diversity. It’s a win-win situation as these newcomers embrace a chance to start a new life.
