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-= Expressions =-

In addition to shelter and assistance in making refugee claims, Sojourn House offers acceptance, warmth and a “home away from home” for many.  And every day, residents and former residents express their gratitude in writing, in kind and with a smile.  Below is the story of Ramadan, as told by a resident who was anxious at first and pleasantly surprised later as Sojourn House teamed up with the local Moslem community in a tradition that has gained popularity over the last three years.  Nooralam Sherzai, a refugee claimant from the province of Balkh in Afghanistan write.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nooralam Sherzai

I often wondered how Muslim immigrants and refugees celebrated Ramadan and Eid away from their home countries, their families and their loved ones.  How did they observe Ramadan alone in a strange land?  And while this question occupied my mind even as I became a refugee claimant, I am now in a better position to share my own experiences of Ramadan and Eid at Sojourn House.

For me, Ramadan 2006 began on September 23, 2006 (year 1427 of the Lunar calendar).  A week prior to the holy month, Sojourn House staff informed residents of its pending arrival and its significance for all Muslims around the world.  It was also announced that a feast of a variety of Halal foods would be served every Friday evening for the Iftar – the meal served at sunset to break the fast – organized by Ms Alia and Ms Sofia, with the support of the Muslim community; and the International Development and Relief Foundation. Apart from joining us during Iftar every Friday, the organizers and the local Moslem community would also host the festive Eid al-Fitr at the conclusion of Ramadan.  I cannot describe how ecstatic I was at the announcement. I was also proud to learn that this tradition had began a couple of years earlier at the initiative of the local Moslem community and Sojourn House management.  No doubt, a refugee shelter is as good as its management and its policies that promote acceptance and respect for all regardless of nationally, religion or creed.

Throughout the month of Ramadan myself and other muslim residents were treated with a lot of respect and understanding and were accommodated by both the staff and residents of Sojourn House.  On many occasions I was approached by non-Muslim residents who kindly inquired, “How is your fast going?”  To me this is indicative of utmost respect for one’s faith by the follower of another.  This kind of respect among humans, regardless of their differences such as in faith, race, and nationally, is the best and simplest formula for successful co-existence.
During Ramadan, there was a difference of about an hour between Iftar and the normal dinner time at the shelter.  The food service staff always kept the Iftar dinner aside for those of us who fasted and served it to us at the appropriate time.  This reminded me of back home, when families saved food for those members who normally arrived late from work or school.  Similarly, the food for the Sahari, or the preparation for the day’s fast was always made available and stored at the staff lounge.  Every morning between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., we would come to the second floor office and were let into the lounge for the Sahari.  The entire month of Ramadan, the night staff of Sojourn House received us with patience and respect.  This routine continued while we proudly awaited and looked forward to the Eid al Fitr celebrations.  Prior to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, many residents of Sojourn House, both Muslims and non-Muslims were given a set amount of money as Eidi/Sadaqh al-Fatr, donated by the same Muslim community.
The preparations for Eid celebration were underway during the last days of Ramadan, and one day I came across something very interesting in the kitchen at Sojourn House.  The kitchen staff and volunteers were busy preparing variety of dishes.  I asked if I could taste some of what had been prepared, and was told that “tomorrow is Eid, and it is better that everyone eats this food together”, and I agreed.  This reminded me of back home once again, when families prepared food for Eid,  and when mothers and sisters always refused to allow anyone to touch the food being prepared and said the same phrase “ tomorrow is Eid, it is better that we all eat this food together”.
On the 29th day of October, 2006, at 2:30 in the afternoon, the Eid al-Fitr celebration at Sojourn House began.  This Eid celebration was not just for the Muslims of Sojourn House.  The non-Muslim residents also looked forward to this celebration, and had not eaten their lunch at the usual time, 12:00 p.m.  Everyone reminded each other, “Today is Eid”.

 
The celebration began with speeches by Sofia Lodhi, representing the Muslim community and Rita Kohli, the Program Director of Sojourn House.   Both wished everyone a happy and joyous Eid while welcoming all the participants and guests who included IDRF staff; and inviting everyone to the magnificent feast that had been put together by Sojourn House kitchen staff and the Muslim community.   Along with the food everyone was enjoying the international music CDs and tapes brought by the participants that was beautiful and worth listening to.  Almost everyone wore their traditional and national outfits which made the occasion even more special and unforgettable. It felt good to be surrounded by happiness and joy, in an atmosphere filled with love and generosity just like back home.
What made this Eid even more special for me was the fact that I celebrated it with my new friends and acquaintances that I consider my large international family, whereas back home I celebrated Eid with my smaller national family.  I am proud and lucky to have celebrated this festive and joyous occasion with my international family for the very first time at Sojourn House, the first and primary home to many newly arrived refugees in Canada.  I am grateful to the local Moslem community, Sojourn House and particularly Rita Kohli - who is both a Manager and Mother for many at Sojourn House - for making my first Ramadan experience away from home a memorable occasion.

Translated from Dari to English by Rabila Attai
Sojourn House Settlement Counsellor (From Afghanistan)

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Words from Rita Kohli, Program Director of Sojourn House

As I sit here tangibly feeling the many unshed tears, I also remember the strength and resilience of many refugees who have passed through the hallways of Sojourn House and have successfully settled in Canada.  It reminds me of how privileged I am and what a privilege it is to work with such a remarkable group of people. This is why the work of Sojourn House with refugees must continue.  
The fatigue of two major moves from 51 Bond Street and 321 Jarvis Street in the last year, to finally “settling” Sojourn House at 101 Ontario Street seems to lift when I think of the trials and tribulations that a refugee goes through to find safety and refuge. I feel energized and ready to work towards achieving a renewed vision that will bring dignity, hope and compassion to the lives of refugees.  
I urge you as you cherish your loved ones during Christmas and the Holiday Season to please help us and give generously to Sojourn House so that we can ease the settlement of refugees – ordinary people like you and me with ordinary goals of having a home, a family, a community, a sense of safety, dignity and connectedness.  I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our Sojourn House friends, donors, volunteers, staff, residents and tenants for your caring and generous support – it makes such a huge difference in the lives of refugees.