Dates: Monday, February 8, to Thursday, February 11,
Time: noon to 2 pm
Location: 2nd Floor Atrium Scott Library.
The world is responding to the Syrian refugee crisis in small and large ways. The movement of so many people from danger to safety is bewildering to imagine and our individual responses cannot be predictable, uniform or even immediate. Before stepping into action, we can learn more and discover how, as individuals and as groups, we can best respond. Art, logic, and material evidence give us the information and impetus to act.
Imagination exists within the walls of our mind. To fathom events seen through media coverage, we rely solely on trust towards the stories that we come across on a daily basis, and our imagination. As we separate ourselves from these mediums and let our minds wander, we fall victim to forgetting that for some, this is reality.
Over the last four weeks, the 4Days4Syria Committee has worked to bring together a series of events to bring awareness to the Syrian crisis. The committee is comprised of Angie An, Sayjon Ariyarathnam, Kalina Grewal, Rebecca Hagos, Hodo Hussein, Antonia Kaltsounis, Dalubuhle Ndlovu, Patti Ryan, and Marcia Salmon. They are affiliated with York University Libraries, The MOSIAC Institute, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
Starting February 8th, 2016, this weeklong event will address the trials and tribulations, as well as past experiences of refugees through the medium of artistic expression. From spoken word poetry, to photography, See It Through our Lens creates a safe space for students to diverge in a network of activities, gaining a conceptual understanding of the refugee crisis.
This initiative offers the opportunity for students to partake in discussions based platform, bringing forth personal accounts of some the world’s most pressing issues. Please join us as we learn from our local experts and participate in fundraising for Lifeline Syria and the Department of Sociology and Friends Family Sponsorship Group.
Come to York University’s Scott Library, for amazing art, memorable stories, and tasteful refreshments. All events take place from noon to 2 pm, in the Atrium, 2nd floor Scott Library.
Day 1: Monday Feb 8
Hajir Sharifi: Journalist, photographer and student
Human Rights & Equity Studies, York University
Day 2: Tuesday Feb 9
Secil Erdogan Ertorer: "Seeking Refuge in a Hostile Zone"
Rana Sukarieh: "Building Hope: the experience of Sociologists at York and Friends Sponsorship Group"
Department of Sociology, York University
Day 3: Wednesday Feb 10
Shadiya Aidid, Zeinab Aidid, Nasim Asgari and Kareem Bennett: Renowned Spoken Word Poets and students
York University
Day 4: Thursday Feb 11
Scarves, photos and more for Syria: a cheerful marketplace of items on sale for a good cause!
Additional information, including a Syrian Refugee Research Guide will be available on the York University Libraries’ website. Photography and a slideshow will be on display throughout the 4 days.
Everyone is welcome!
We encourage you all to join us; we welcome questions and will provide ample time for conversation about the crisis and local responses.
For more information, contact Kalina Grewal (kgrewal@yorku.ca).