Meet The Syrian Refugee Who Is Leading Efforts To Help Flood Victims In England
“I say it’s our duty. Now that we live here, we have to be a part of the community,” Yasser al-Jassem told BuzzFeed News.
When floods hit Rochdale, Greater Manchester, the local community stepped in to help the homes and businesses that were destroyed. One of those locals was Yasser al-Jassem, a 35-year-old Syrian refugee.
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"When I saw the pictures on the TV of the floods, I saw the water going over the houses and towns... it was horrible," al-Jassem told BuzzFeed News. "I wanted to help, but I didn't know how."
He found a way to help: He brought together the Syrian refugee community in Manchester – who meet up regularly to support each other as they navigate their new lives in England – and organised for them to help build flood defences. Their efforts attracted widespread media attention and were praised by locals.
BuzzFeed News spoke to al-Jassem to find out more about his story and why he got involved.
When the floods hit their new home city, al-Jassem first messaged other refugees in the area on WhatsApp to discuss how they could lend their support to the victims.
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A British friend suggested that they could help build flood defences with sandbags – so nine of the Syrians gathered as soon as they could and started work in Littleborough, near Rochdale, shovelling sand into sandbags for the local families to use to protect their homes.
"Two of us are doctors, one is a teacher, two are students, one is studying at Manchester University," al-Jassem said. "It was all last-minute – when we arrived, we started work immediately. Some local people asked if we wanted a break or a cup of tea, but we said we must finish the job before sunset."
Other Syrian refugees who couldn't meet up on the day to help the flood-prevention efforts say they will continue to help their Mancunian neighbours in other ways.
"Actually, I don't say we are helping," al-Jassem added. "I say it's our duty. Now that we live here, we have to be a part of the community."