SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — National Refugee Day brings people together all across the world, and it was a special day in Syracuse. On Thursday, Mayor Ben Walsh raised a United Nations flag outside of city hall in honor of the holiday. The flag raising ceremony included refugees from all over the world and Syracuse city officials who came together to celebrate the diversity of the city.
Over the past couple decades, Syracuse has become a major resettlement city for refugees from all over the world. This year alone, Syracuse is projected to receive over 2,000 refugees from dangerous and war-torn countries.
Jasenko Mondom, member of the Syracuse City School Refugee Assistance Program and a refugee from Bosnia, came to celebrate with his collection of flags.
“Obviously, it’s a very special day for refugees. A day when we celebrate our journey from countries we are from and how we got here,” said Mondom.
The day was established by the United Nations and has been celebrated in Syracuse for over a decade now. Walsh spoke about the importance of Syracuse as a refugee haven.
“We are a proud refugee resettlement community here, we are a proud sanctuary for those who are escaping war and oppression, and as you can see in this room, it’s a beautiful thing,” said Walsh.
The people are what makes the city so special, said Syracuse City Councilman Chol Majok, who was once a refugee himself. He spoke about the refugee journey and how important refugees have become in forming a diverse community.
“Part of this journey is finding somebody that will hold your hand and tell you this new place, it is okay and you are welcomed here,” said Majok.
The flag raising ceremony is not the only event celebrating World Refugee Day. There will be a World Refugee Festival Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in Schiller Park. It will feature diverse cultural offerings and food from all over the world.
