On 20 June World Refugee Day was recognised in different ways across the globe.
It commemorates the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees worldwide. It also raises public awareness of the global refugee crisis.
Philadelphia Makwaka, Advocacy and Campaigns co-ordinator at the Cape SAJBD explains “We recognise the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in the Western Cape; World Refugee Day has brought about the opportunity for the Cape SABJD to facilitate workshops for refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants; as well as attend fantastic events that bring people together around the cause.”
The Scalabrini Centre, which offers development and welfare programmes to the migrant and local communities of Cape Town, hosted a ‘World Café’ event on the day, with refugees and locals enjoying interactive language games and celebrating their diverse backgrounds. The Cape SAJBD catered for the event.
The Department of Home Affairs and UNHCR South Africa spoke of the day as honouring “the courage and resilience of families forced to flee war: violence and persecution”.
This day of commemoration helps remind both the Jewish community of the importance of supporting the world refugee crisis. While it is important to have one day a year to highlight the plight, the refugees need our help and support each and every day.”
