Students Aid Iraqi Refugees
At one point during a 2005 interview the bassist for the Iraqi heavy-metal band Acrassicauda shifts the discussion from the dangers of walking in the streets and head-banging to music amidst mortar fire to talk about his uncertain future.
“I’m trying to go somewhere where I can find peace for me and my family,” says Firas Al-Lateef while sitting with his three bandmates before playing what will be their final concert in Iraq.
The scene, depicted in the documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad, crystallizes a sentiment shared by many Iraqis as they look ahead to life beyond war. The film was screened at Colby thanks to the Iraqi Refugee Awareness Movement (IRAM), a student organization that aims to aid refugees in the United States and also raise awareness on the issue of people being displaced by the war in Iraq. “We want to make our microcosm of Colby aware of this issue so they know that these are people who helped the U.S. in Iraq. They’re not terrorists—they’re fleeing for their lives,” said Harry Davis ’11.
Started in 2007, IRAM has held two conferences where refugees and activists discussed issues centered on the Iraq war. In addition, comedian Maz Jobrani raised awareness with humor last fall. Now, with the recent settling of refugees in Portland, IRAM aims to remain active, especially in the area of direct aid. “It’s very important because it’s hard for us to believe in principles and not take it to the next level,” said Dan Franklin ’10.
This fall, for example, IRAM has been working with a family of five in Portland, directing them to the Salvation Army, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and local food pantries. Even the seemingly simple things, such as acquiring a cell phone, accessing a car, or sending mail, can be difficult for refugees in the United States, which is why, Franklin said, they have been in constant contact.
“We want to go down there and help these people in addition to just raising awareness on this issue—which has been around for a long time,” said Davis.
To help those settling in Portland, IRAM has partnered with the List Project, a nationwide nonprofit that, in addition to providing aid, creates a refugee network focused on living and succeeding in American society. IRAM also plans on bringing food and clothing to refugees, putting on a benefit concert on campus with student a cappella groups and bands, and pairing up with the Environmental Coalition and the organic gardening club for a clothing and food drive.
“It has to do with our sense of community. ... These people are our neighbors now, so it’s especially important to help them as they adjust to life in the U.S,” said Franklin. “We have to take up that torch by doing the thing that our government has a difficult time doing.”
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