Happy to be here in Canada

Happy to be here in Canada

By ABUBAKAR KASIM, GUEST COLUMNIST  - Toronto Sun

I made the right decision to make Canada my home.

Despite its unstable winter season and shortened sunny summer period, in spite of the challenges in trying to adjust to the new environment, and regardless of the imperfectness of its justice system, I still firmly believe I have come to the right place and at the right time.

Canada is indeed a country of great amazement and wonders.

It is a world itself -- a global village.

It encompasses people of almost all nationalities, races, cultures and religions -- all coming together as one nation.

Canada is a country of hope and great inspiration.

The world ought to learn from Canada and how it has managed to keep cool between people of immense diversity.

It amazes me to see people from different backgrounds living side by side in harmony while the same people could not get along in their countries of origin.

This is something unique, if not a miracle.

Upon entering our country, the same people who looked at each other as enemies now embrace one another as brothers who belong to the same nation and sing the same national anthem.

Their hearts suddenly transformed and their mindset reprogrammed to look at each other differently than they are accustomed to.

People of my country of Somalia have been killing each other ever since the collapse of the former government of Siad Barre early in 1991.

Hate and tribalism have taken over. Blood is being shed uncontrollably. Even minorities like us who were never involved in the civil war were not left alone and at peace. They were subjected to persecution including rape, looting and murder.

It seems even the international community has given up on Somalia and left its people to burn in the flames of hate.

It is just amazing to see the same people who are slaughtering each other in the horn of Africa living in the same building in Toronto and other regions of the country and sitting at the same table at coffee shops and restaurants.

The same miracle can be seen in other communities who could not stand even to see each other back home while in Canada they are different beings altogether.

The way Canada has managed to create a different atmosphere for these people is a miracle itself.

It has not segregated people based on ethnicity and created ghettoes as in France and the U.K. It also did not force immigrants to abandon their heritage and absorb into the country as in the United States where people are urged to assimilate.

It had allowed them to celebrate their culture and heritage while at the same time remain loyal to their new country and become proud Canadians.

I have learned many lessons in Canada. Despite our differences we can certainly live together in peace and with respect and harmony.

We can celebrate our differences and remain respectful to one another.

Canada is living proof for the world to see there is still hope in establishing peace.

Peace between people is something achievable. It certainly is and can be done -- if it is done the Canadian way.

I am really hoping and sincerely praying for a more prosperous, healthy, peaceful and strong Canada.

Happy Birthday Canada.

http://www.torontosun.com/comment/2009/06/30/9977916-sun.html