To the editor:

As the United Nations commemorates World Refugee Day on June 20, we join in calling for compassionate and swift action in support of refugees around the world. Cazenovia is a small village, but we believe that we can have an impact on global challenges.

Over a number of decades, refugees from countries including Cambodia, Sudan, Kosovo and Burma have come to Cazenovia to live, work and attend schools. Now we are building on that history to create “Cazenovia Welcomes Refugees,” a new community initiative formed in response to the current refugee crisis. In these efforts, we are united in our conviction that refugees bring important new perspectives, contribute to economic growth and add cultural richness to Cazenovia and to our nation.

We are gratified by support from multiple sectors of our community: Cazenovia’s public school system and Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Public Library, local faith communities, non-profit groups, government, businesses and private citizens. We are thankful to collaborate with Interfaith Works of Syracuse and the Center for New Americans as they provide guidance to establish Cazenovia as a site for refugee resettlement.

In the midst of global turbulence forcing families to flee from their homelands, we believe that another world is possible – one in which all people enjoy lives of safety, dignity and hope. While waiting for that vision to be realized, “Cazenovia Welcomes Refugees” renews our commitment to stand in solidarity with refugees arriving in Central New York and to live together as a model for excellence to inspire others as we move into the future.

Caroline Cargo and Cindy Sutton, Co-Facilitators

Cazenovia Welcomes Refugees