Dear Editor,
Re: “Welcome all refugees,” Letters, March 10.
Reader Iqbal Ladha asks why Canada is being more receptive to Ukrainian refugees than Syrian and Afghani refugees. He attributes the difference to racism, but there are other reasons that have nothing to do with racism.
The first is that Canada was settled mainly by European immigrants. In particular, we had a large influx of Ukrainian immigrants who maintain strong cultural ties with their mother country. There is no comparable Afghani or Syrian community in Canada, either in terms of size or legacy.
The second reason is that 45,000 Canadians (including my grandfather) died fighting for freedom in Europe during both world wars, which gives us a strong vested interest in sustaining the freedom of all European countries. We have had no comparable experience in Syria or Afghanistan. Yes, we fought for freedom in Afghanistan, but on a much smaller scale and for people who do not have the same historical and cultural ties to Canada.
The third reason is that Canada is a member of NATO, which is an alliance of western countries whose purpose is to maintain that freedom in Europe. An attack on Ukraine (a non-member) brings all NATO members, including Canada, perilously close to conflict. We have no similar alliance with Syria or Afghanistan.
For all these historical, cultural and strategic reasons — none of which are rooted in racism — Canadians feel a particular need to assist displaced Ukrainians. It would actually be very strange if we didn’t. Mr. Ladha might have considered these points before dismissing us as racists.
David Baines
RICHMOND
