Nicole Raz
WMAL
VIENNA, AUSTRIA (WMAL) — The numbers of Syrians arriving in Europe continue to rise, but so far the migrants entering Europe only represent about 10 percent of those who have fled, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. While the US announced it will take in at least 10,000 refugees after Oct.1, many Europeans say that’s more of a gesture than logistically helpful.
“For huge country like the US it’s only a few refugees,” said an Austrian man. “They [the US] should take a bit more responsibility, they also making war in Syria.”
For many others, like this Austrian woman, the refugee crisis is an opportunity for global unity.
“It’s very important that all the countries support the people in need,” she told WMAL. “ It’s a war war down there and they need help. Of course, there are risks in taking so many people into your country. But, at the same time, we are all people and we should care for our neighbors and we should be charitable towards them.”
Though the US is a country of immigrants, the US “always had its difficulties accepting foreigners,” and she said she thinks the US should take this opportunity to open up to more people from many different countries.
“The refugee crisis is a problem of the whole world,” this Austrian man said. “I hope that the US people are friendly enough to take more people and help people in the world so that we all have a better world.”
A British woman said it’s also not enough for any country to just accept refugees, they also must integrate them with care.
“They should take with thought and consideration for who they are and where the put them,” she said. “They [refugees] have to integrate, but they would be happier if they weren’t just thrown into a detention center.”
But others, like this Austrian man, say the US’ offer is enough.
“We are talking about a problem that is mostly taking place in Europe, so Europe has to find a solution to it. It’s not a US-specific problem—maybe on a military scenery, but not on a migration scenery,” he said, also cautioning against integrating refugees in a way that creates a “parallel society.”
It will not be an easy process for refugees to get to the US—but do they even want go?
“That is my dream,” one refugee said. “It’s a really strong country,” another said. “I feel that’s good protection for my family,” said another.
Though polls show that over 80 percent of Syrians blame the U.S. for ISIS’ creation, this Syrian refugee told WMAL, “I think if you ask any one from Syria if they want to go the US, I’m sure they would say yes. Because they are dying there and they want to go to America because I think all the people in Syria like it.”
Many said that while they disagree with US government policies, they still would like to live in America, citing “freedom” as America’s best quality.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: Nicole Raz)
