The Refugee Experience

The story of our exodus from Egypt is especially meaningful this year. We are particularly aware that we were once a refugee people as the issue of refugees is among the central topics of our times. On the night of April 28th at 7.30 p.m. at Temple Sinai, as the 7th day of Passover begins, we will use drama, music, story and song to delve deeply into this challenging moment.

This special partnership with the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company should be as powerful and inclusive as our Selichot evenings have become. A part of this experience will be informed by your thoughts and feelings as well.

Please take a moment to respond to these few questions, and join us that evening to hear your voice among many others!

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* 1. Many Jewish families came to Canada in the last century. Which statement best describes our situation in Canada today?

We have been accepted as Canadians without having to compromise our commitment to Jewish culture and religion.

We are still not accepted as Canadians.

We have been accepted as Canadians but are expected to compromise our commitment to Jewish culture and religion.

Being accepted as Canadians has strengthened our connection to Jewish culture and religion.

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* 2. Canada has accepted tens of thousands of Syrian refugees. I would describe this moment in Canadian history as:

A security risk

An opportunity

A responsibility

A challenge

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Global crises require strong leadership. I would describe leaders in the world today as:

A mixture of strong and weak leaders

As weak as any time I remember

As strong as any time I remember

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* 4. When I think of the challenges created by the numerous refugees from the Syrian civil war, the emotion I feel most strongly is:

Hope

Fear

Sadness

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Syrian refugee families coming to Canada face many challenges. Which statement best describes your expectations of their future situation in Canada?

They will be accepted as Canadians without having to compromise their commitment to their culture and religion.

It will be very difficult for them ever to be accepted as Canadians.

They will be accepted as Canadians but will be expected to compromise their commitment to their culture and religion.

Being accepted as Canadians will strengthen their connection to their culture and religion.

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* 6. The movement of refugees from Syria across the globe is the largest refugee crisis since World War II, when many of the refugees were European Jews.

What these two groups of refugees have most in common is

These two groups of refugees differ in that

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* 1. Many Jewish families came to Canada in the last century. Which statement best describes our situation in Canada today?

Question Title

* 2. Canada has accepted tens of thousands of Syrian refugees. I would describe this moment in Canadian history as:

Question Title

* 3. Global crises require strong leadership. I would describe leaders in the world today as:

Question Title

* 4. When I think of the challenges created by the numerous refugees from the Syrian civil war, the emotion I feel most strongly is:

Question Title

* 5. Syrian refugee families coming to Canada face many challenges. Which statement best describes your expectations of their future situation in Canada?

Question Title

* 6. The movement of refugees from Syria across the globe is the largest refugee crisis since World War II, when many of the refugees were European Jews.

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* 7. Some of us have stories of refugee experiences in our families. Do you have a family story that you would like to share?