Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) wrapped up another World Refugee Day in Market Square this afternoon, giving many thanks for the first sunny day in Pittsburgh in what seems like weeks.
The day began at the City County building with a citizenship naturalization ceremony, where Mayor Bill Peduto welcomed refugees from six countries to Pittsburgh. Fifteen refugees raised their right hand and swore to uphold and defend the laws of the United States of America.
In Market Square, dancers, singers and poets entertained, refugees shared their stories, and several dignitaries spoke of the rich and complex history of refugees and immigrants and the prosperity of this nation.
Among the speakers were Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. They were joined by three distinguished guests very familiar with the path refugees travel to come to the United States:
- Lawrence (Larry) Bartlett is Director of the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (which oversees the US government’s refugees programs).
- Matthew Reynolds from UNHCR (Office of the UN High Commissioner of Refugees, the UN Refugee Agency), USA branch
- Mark Hetfield, President & CEO of HIAS. Mr. Hetfield was last in Pittsburgh in the days immediately following October 27, since the Tree of Life shooter referenced HIAS as a motive for his actions.
Larry Bartlett of the State Department reassured the audience that the United States’ commitment to refugees still stands strong: “On behalf of the Department of State, I want to tell you that our commitment to assist the world’s most vulnerable citizens remains a vital part of our national security policy. We strive to save lives and alleviate suffering, ensuring that vulnerable and crisis-affected individuals receive assistance and protection.”
But he also reminded people that “The scale of the refugee displacement throughout the world is staggering.” Over 70 million people are displaced from their homes worldwide, the largest number since World War II.
Mark Hetfield of HIAS cheered on the City of Pittsburgh for its openness to refugees: “I want to thank the people of Pittsburgh for welcoming refugees to your beautiful city and for giving them a chance at a new life after they have had to flees their countries….Thank you for being stronger than hate.”
The event drew hundreds of refugees and immigrants, and a brisk Market Square lunch crowd who stopped to enjoy the entertainment and sample the array of exotic foods from Syria, Turkey, Venezuela and more. A quick look around saw samosa, baba ganoush, falafel, spicy beef and chicken, fresh made breads and wraps, and signature desserts.
Mayor Peduto reiterated his message that Pittsburgh, a city built by immigrants, would continue to welcome and support refugees and immigrants, even in the face of controversy, as in the arrest Wednesday of a Syrian refugee accused of planning a bomb attack on a North Side church. He noted that a much more positive view of refugees and immigrants was on display today, with talents, crafts, art and culture.
Mark Reynolds noted the interconnectivity of all peoples across the world: “Helping people find a home is what this day is about. And this is what UNHCR is trying to do, connecting all these actors across the United States and around the world. We are all taking a step with refugees and sending a message that they are not alone.”
JFCS gratefully recognizes all the community partners responsible for putting this event together: AJAPO, Literacy Pittsburgh, All for All, Global Wordsmiths, South Hills Interfaith Movement, the American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Hello Neighbor. The event was partly sponsored by Allegheny Health Network and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Attached photos (photography by Christopher Sprowls, csprowlsphoto@gmail.com)
To learn more about what we do with immigrants and refugees, click here.