Agencies – Gaza post
Ahmed kanjo and racism against refugees: Solidarity campaign with the Syrian boy who said “I am a human being”
A video clip of a Syrian young man in Turkey, was subjected to racist harassment, aroused a wave of sympathy and solidarity with him from users of communication sites in the two countries.
In addition, hashtags such as #BenBirİnsanım and #I am a human being spread across social media to express solidarity with the young man who confronted a group of Turkish citizens, trying to correct their misconceptions about Syrian refugees in Turkey.
What the story?
A video spread showing 17-year-old Ahmed participating in an interview with Turkish citizens in Istanbul, trying to respond to what they said about Syrian refugees in their country.
The Turks tried to hold the Syrian refugees in Turkey responsible for problems they suffer from, so Kanjo intervened and talked about his experience as a Syrian refugee in Turkey, and how he was forced to drop out of school “because of racism.”
while interviewing, Kanojo tried to correct untrue information about the syrian refugees, but he was harassed by Turkish citizens , who demanded that he leave the country.
The Syrian boy respond was: “I am a human being,” a phrase that turned into a campaign of solidarity and rejection of racism that swept the communication sites in Syria and Turkey.
Solidarity campaign
Saber Toktas, the Turkish businessman, said that he would cover all the expenses of Ahmed Kango’s education, also he posted a photo of him with Ahmed and said: “Tell Umit Ozdag that I will take care of his education because he is a diligent student with high morals and I am very proud to know him.”
in the other hand, Suleyman oglu said: “why A 17-year-old child should scream I am a human being to those who attack him? Is this appropriate for the children of a nation known in the world for its hospitality?”
Whereas Ozlem Dogan said on Twitter: “I am a human being, the helpless cry of a Syrian child, who was insulted by old citizens, just for being a refugee, a scene that deeply hurts those with ethics and mercy.”
Meanwhile, a member of Parliament Yvette Polat said: “Is it appropriate for the Turkish nation to bother and insult a young man who sought refuge in her country?”
Supporting banners in Turkish streets
The communication sites circulated pictures of young Turkish men in several areas in Istanbul carrying banners “I am a human being”, expressing their solidarity with the Syrian youth, and their rejection of hate speech and racism.
For his opinion, Kanjo posted a video clip on his YouTube channel thanking those who showed sympathy, and called Syrians to hold on to hope.
