What to do if Syrian refugees relocate to your neighborhood:

[dixiegrrrrl]

from PlantingPeace.org

[Sinistrous]

1. K&R

Can't add anything to this post. It says it all.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. Thank you. K&R

[Agnosticsherbet]

3. I would hold a block party and get everyone to meet our new neighbors. nt

[pampango]

4. Do the same for them as you would for anyone else. That's the liberal way. n/t

[retrowire]

20. this

leave them the hell alone and say hi and wave sometimes.

lol I'm a boring neighbor.

[Scuba]

5. K&R

[frazzled]

6. In general, the refugee resettlement organizations and charities do this

It is very important to be culturally sensitive to the kinds of food, clothing, etc. these refugees need (and feel comfortable with). Since the resettlement agencies charged with placing and orienting them are well versed in these cultural issues, I think it's wisest to contribute to (or coordinate with) them first before striking out on your own. Other than that, a welcoming smile and friendship are most valuable.

One thing I'd be lucky to do here, in my city (Chicago) would be to point out or drive them to the wonderful Syrian grocery store that's been around for a long time here on the north side of town. Incredible spices and herbs, preserved lemons, condiments, sweets and all manner of utensils and other items they would be familiar with. I shop there when I can!

[LittleGirl]

19. YES! eom

[KamaAina]

7. Patronize the market, restaurant or bakery they may very well open up

[Half-Century Man]

8. Cookies

Cookies are important too.

[uppityperson]

9. K&r

[lark]

10. Bring them a plate of cookies

and invite them to dinner to get to know them and see what their needs are. That's what I'll do, unless asshole Scott has his way and they can't come to FL.

Hopefully they want books because I have hundreds of paperbacks to give away, ha.

[libodem]

11. That's the America I believe in!

[yuiyoshida]

12. K&R

[etherealtruth]

13. My neighbors are Syrian/ Iraqi refugees ... they bring ME excellent food!

[Eleanors38]

14. Doesn't bother me. But how can they afford the Austin prices/taxes?? Jeeez.

[NCTraveler]

15. The programs in place to help them settle are pretty impressive.

Once agreed upon, it would still be over a year before they step on the US mainland. Much of that time is spent doing serious background checks on them. While that is being done they get a lot of information and contacts on how to better understand our society and their role in it. Truly amazing how much goes into bring refugees into the country. Many, once realizing they will be coming here, will actually end up with a pretty good grasp on the language in the one year plus they are waiting.

[panader0]

16. I would request that they cook me some Syrian food.

Of course, I would provide all of the groceries.
I love shawarma with tabbouleh and hummus.

[azurnoir]

22. yep that and very respectfully request that maybe they'll show how to make it

getting invited into someones kitchen is fantastic

[TygrBright]

17. I was gonna say "Bring a hotdish" but, yeah. Do it up right. n/t

[haele]

21. Let them know where the nearest Halal/Kosher meat provider is.

(Kosher is close enough to Halal that most of my Islamic neighbors will get Kosher in a pinch.)
But most of all, treat them and their family members like any other new neighbor, with polite interest, a smile and friendly comments.

Haele

[d_legendary1]

23. We'll go to the market together

and buy some food (my treat) so they can cook some of that middle eastern cuisine. If they don't know how to cook then I'll be showing off my newly found cooking skills. Of course I've gotta ask them what they can eat. Don't wanna be rude ya know!

Hell, I might even learn a new language! The possibilities are endless! New people rock!

[a la izquierda]

24. Bring them food and chat with them about the area

I love meeting new people. I'd ask them to teach me to make Syrian food.

And I'd offer them a comforting place to go if any of our neighbors acted like assholes.

[Kennah]

25. Since Olympia area employers are mostly state government ...

... help them in seeking employment. Perhaps talk to the libraries, where there is free Internet, about holding classes and guiding them through the process.

[DBoon]

26. Tell them my dogs are OK and don't bite

and welcome them to the neighborhood