One of the most enjoyable parts of my role as leader of the Royal Borough of Kingston is getting to attend a whole host of events with the diverse communities that make up our borough.
Last October I was invited to celebrate Succot by our local Rabbi. The Jewish festival encourages people to remember when they were refugees during the Israelites’ 40 years wandering in the desert – vulnerable, subject to the elements and without permanent, safe homes.
Whilst for most Jews the experience of being refugees is historical, on Succot Jewish communities are asked to remember the immense vulnerability that is still felt by so many in this world, and to do something about it. To this end, a tradition is to invite ushpizin (Aramaic for guests) into informal dwellings to eat together in community – to make room for the needy in Succot ‘homes’.
What I found at the beautiful Succot shelter in Kingston was a group of Jewish, Christian, Muslim and non-faith Citizens UK members. Citizens UK is a community organising charity that enables people to join forces and work together for the common good.
And the issue that this diverse group of Kingston people had united together to talk to me about was the current unprecedented refugee crisis, particularly the fate of Syrian refugees.
The group asked me to commit to accepting a modest number of refugees, no more than 50 individuals, and I felt compelled to say yes.
We agreed that it isn’t an easy task, but there is EU funding available to councils to enable resettlement, and the community have pledged that they will help secure housing options and support for any new arrivals. Together we will ensure that these vulnerable people are welcomed and cared for in our borough.
The UK public and Government has already donated huge amounts of aid to support those affected by the Syrian conflict. As a country we have a proud tradition of offering refuge. Now, as the situation for some refugees is becoming even more precarious; it is the right thing to do to give sanctuary to the most needy.
I’m working with Citizens UK to encourage other council leaders to work with civil society institutions in their area and commit to offering sanctuary to a small number of refugees; showing central government that we are willing to support them should they agree to increase the number of UN refugees resettled in the UK. If 50 council leaders commit with me to resettle 50 people, we will transform the lives of 2,500 people.
To find out more about the campaign please contact Daniel Mackintosh, Citizens UK e: Daniel.Mackintosh@citizensuk.org m: 07454 971 830
Cllr Kevin Davis is leader, Kingston RLBC