York students raising funds and awareness for refugees in Iraq and Syria
Rahman Mohamed
Published on Excalibur, 24 November 2014

A movement across Ontario, Life of a Mesopotamian Refugee, built a campaign to raise awareness and funds for refugees in Syria and Iraq, former Mesopotamia, to display the conditions refugees face to local students last week.. This movement was led by the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Student Union (ACSSU). ACSSU has branches at McMaster University in Hamilton, and York, Brock and Ryerson Universities in Toronto. All three played a role in Life of a Mesopotamian Refugee.

At York, on November 10 and 11, members of ACSSU imitated the life of a refugee. From 9 am to 9 pm Students spent the day in a tent and did not buy food. The only food they ate was food that was brought to them. ACSSU students taking part in Life of a Mesopotamian Refugee at McMaster slept outside for the week.  In all schools, participants weren’t allowed to use electronics.

Together with this ACSSU was aiming to raise money for all refugees in Syria and Iraq. With a goal of $15,000, all money raised will be donated to the Assyrian Aid Society.

When asked Nedda, a member of the Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Student Union at York University said she was inspired to participate because she is “part of minority group who has been suffering not just now but in the past”.

Self-photographed -Tent in the Bear Pit at York University for the Life of a Mesopotamian Refugee movement (11 Nov)