More than 10,000 Icelanders say they'll welcome Syrian refugees into their homes

05.09.2015 15:29

Thousands of Icelanders have taken to social media to offer their homes to Syrian refugees after their government said it would only open its borders to a few.

More than 14,000 people have 'liked' a Facebook page called 'Syria is Calling', offering food, housing and clothes to those fleeing the war-torn country.

Dozens have desperate migrants have also posted on the page, asking volunteers for help.

The online community was set up by an Icelandic academic after the government said the country, which has a population of 330,000, would only accept 50 refugees.

Professor Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir, who created the page, said she wanted to show the government that citizens are 'willing to receive more refugees', and to urge policymakers to change their stance.

She added that the page was also a forum where those in need could 'gather useful information about assistance that is available' and where others could share ideas and information.

The event has since been 'joined' by 14,000 people, and viewed by thousands more after being shared on social media.

While not all those who have 'joined' the page have offered up a bed, hundreds have posted messages of support, and asked how they could help.

It has also inspired users to set up similar initiatives in other countries - and to offer shelter abroad.

One woman, who said she was a single mother with a six-year-old son, said she would open her home to a child in need.

She said: I'm a teacher and would teach the child to speak, read and write Icelandic and adjust to Icelandic society.

'We have clothes, a bed, toys and everything a child needs. I would of course pay for the airplane ticket.'

Another posted: 'I’m happy to look after children, take them to kindergarten, school and wherever they need. I can cook for people and show them friendship and warmth.

'I can pay the airfare for one small family. I can contribute with my expertise and assist pregnant women with pre-natal care.'

A third wrote: 'I have an extra room in a spacious apartment which I am more than happy to share along with my time and overall support.'

The page has also been used by refugees searching for places to stay, with some posting desperate pleas for help to leave Syria.

Posting in broken English, one man said he had 'escaped Syria' and 'had a passport' but now had nowhere to stay.

Another begged for someone to help his sister, who he said needed medical treatment overseas.

Speaking on Icelandic television channel RUV, Ms Bjorgvinsdottir said the popularity of the page showed that 'people want something done now'.

'I think people have had enough of seeing news stories from the Mediterranean and refugee camps of dying people,' she said.

Welfare Minister Eyglo Hardardottir told RUV that authorities were studying the Facebook offers and would consider increasing the number of refugees accepted under a humanitarian quota, currently capped at 50 for this year and next.

'I have made it clear that I don't want to name a maximum figure, but that we (will) explore every avenue available in welcoming more refugees,' she said.

Meanwhile, a German website, Refugees Welcome, which matches willing homeowners with those in need, said it had been overwhelmed by offers of support.

(dailymail.co.uk)

www.ann.az

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