How to be culturally sensitive while welcoming Syrian refugees

For anyone hoping to welcome Syrian refugees in the coming months, Dr. Ayman Aboguddah has some tips for how to do it in a culturally sensitive way. Aboguddah is a doctor living in Regina, who is originally from Syria. 

Saskatchewan is preparing to welcome hundreds of refugees in the coming months. Many people have already signed up with the Open Door Society to act as volunteer mentors. 

Here is some of Aboguddah's advice: 

1) Be sensitive to the trauma they've faced

"People will come, they will have have been traumatized in all kinds of trauma — psychological, physical, sexual traumas," he said.  "You are not getting someone who's just visiting as a tourist."

2) Many will not speak English

"English in Syria is weak in general," Aboguddah said. He said English classes will be very important for them. 

3) Many will already know parts of our culture

"They look forward to coming to Canada," Aboguddah said. "They are not totally alien to the Western world thanks to TV and movies, etc."

4) Serve appropriate food

If you have Syrian refugees over for dinner, Aboguddah said to be careful what you serve, particularly for those who are Muslim. 

"Do not offer alcohol, and make sure that when you offer food there be no pork or no pork derivatives," he said.

5) Don't automatically use Canadian customs

Aboguddah said Syrians are diverse.

"Very wide spectrum in the way they look and the way they culturally are," he said.

Particularly when it comes to women, don't assume that they shake hands. Aboguddah said to play it safe, you should wait for them to extend their hand first.