New Ajax initiative aims to combat racism, hate
DurhamRegion.com
Feb. 1, 2017
Keith Gilligan
AJAX — See beyond race, stereotypes and assumptions.
That’s the aim of a new program being launched by Ajax and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) called #AjaxForAll.
It’s based on the OCASI’s Toronto for All campaign that addresses racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.
The launch was held at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir and Cultural Center, on Westney Road south of Bayly Street, on Monday, Jan. 30 and drew an audience of about 75.
Tracey Vaughan, the director of recreation, culture and community development for Ajax, said, “We want to build the kind of community we want for all of our children. One that’s safe and inclusive.”
Mayor Steve Parish noted the juxtaposition of world events, such as the travel ban imposed over the weekend by President Donald Trump on seven predominately Muslim countries and the shooting at the Quebec City mosque, with what Ajax was undertaking.
The president’s travel ban is “causing chaos for everyone. Kids, husbands and wives are caught up in this through no fault of their own,” Mayor Parish said.
He added he likes to read history and actions taken by Trump have happened before. He pointed to 1939, when Canada turned away the St. Louis, a ship carrying more than 900 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. The ship was turned away by Cuba, the United States and Canada, and the refugees eventually had to return to Europe.
“South of the border, it’s so contrary to what America should stand for. We should all speak out,” Mayor Parish said.
He wondered if organizers of the event were telepathic. “You couldn’t pick a better day. This is a day where we know how high the stakes are.”
Canadians should never be smug and “‘say it can’t happen here and those silly American’s. It has happened here,” Mayor Parish added, pointing to the internment of Japanese Canadians during the Second World War.
“Never be silent with this kind of conduct,” he said.
Vaughan said, “It’s days like this campaigns like this get discussed. Days like this are vital.”
Jai Sahak of OCASI said he felt at home being in his stocking feet. “I feel at home is what the point of this campaign is about.”
He said, “The Town of Ajax moved so quickly on this. We all have a part to play with everything going on. This couldn’t be more relevant.”
By creating a conversation, people are developing empathy for one another, he added. “That’s what the program is about.”
Wards 3 and 4 Regional Coun. Colleen Jordan said, “We have to stand up for our neighbours and friends. We have to stick together and don’t condone these words and actions. It hurts us all.”
The campaign features eight ambassador posters that reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity in Ajax. The posters will be displayed at town facilities.
“Our cultural diversity is what we are so proud to have in Ajax,” Jordan said.
Ward 2 local Coun. Renwick Ashby said, “I don’t want to politicize this event, but I do wholeheartedly endorse the comments made. We can’t be silent.”
Vaughan said, “It’s just another step in the journey the town has been taking. It’s not a destination you arrive at, but the journey we take everyday.”
“How do we build our culture of understanding,” she asked. “We want to make Ajax more inclusive and safer for everyone.”
For more information, visit www.ajaxforall.ca or visit the town’s Facebook page at facebook.com/myajax.
