Earlier this week the UN Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis, Panos Moumtzis, expressed his deep concern about the displacement of close to seven hundred thousand Syrians since the beginning of 2018.

by Fiona Tomlin

In February when we launched our “SIV Sips” at Starbucks locations around the country, our idea was simple: Let’s bring veterans and refugees together for coffee and conversation. These neighborly gatherings are bringing a range of follow-on opportunities for deeper dialogue and community building, and we’ve met some amazing people along the way. Hurunnessa Fariad is one of them. She serves as the Outreach/Interfaith Coordinator at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center.  

Citiig national security concerns, President Trump continues to sharply limit admission of legal immigrants and refugees in the United States. The president’s policy is having an impact: Industries hungry for employees, such as meat processing and lumber, are finding it increasingly difficult to fill their ranks. Labor recruiter, Ray Wiley, explains, “If you told me there’s one thousand refugees who need work and want work, I could find them work this month...Employers like refugees...they are generally more motivated and work harder, if only because their situation is more dire.” Mr.

Monday, Refugee Council USA gathered with security experts to discuss the impact of record-low refugee arrivals. Tomorrow, March 31, marks the mid-way point of the 2018 fiscal year. Thus far, the administration has resettled only a quarter of the 45,000 refugees it pledged to take in.

When we were in the military, and when we were going through our own transitions, we took care of one another. As veterans, and as Americans, I think we also have a responsibility to take care of our fellow community members—especially the newest and most vulnerable among us.

By Eric Ahn

"If more veterans speak their minds, people will see the diversity of the military, that we don’t just fit into this one cookie cutter mold of what people think veterans are," says U.S. Coast Guard veteran Atsuko Sakurai.

News from the Week of March 18^th

"We have forgotten when we were led into a room where the flag of our country and a copy of the Constitution were displayed and we raised our right hand and swore to defend its principles," says VFAI leader Buck Cole. "We have to recapture and reinforce its rightful place in American society, and veterans should play a leading role in that effort."

In every country, in every culture, there are differences and similarities. Our languages may not sound the same, and we may express ourselves in unique ways, but we are all human. Everyone’s blood is red. Love, fear, sorrow, distress, anger, rejection, joy, and comfort are universal. Just because someone comes from an area where war and destruction are prevalent does not mean that they promote violence. In fact, by their decision to leave, they are demonstrating their disapproval.

Refugees are seeking peace; we want the chance to live and love without fear of pain and bloodshed for traits we have no control over. We have witnessed the deaths of those we love. We have endured the pain and fear of physical and psychological torture. We have faced the paralyzing fright of feeling helpless to protect those we care for or change the circumstances of our homelands. We are not strangers, for we are human also.