Dear Editor:
The Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association (GVJCCA) denounces the despicable terrorist attacks in Paris and other parts of the world.
We call for a stop to the backlash (including petitions) against Syrian refugees who are trying to escape violence in their country. We stand in solidarity with Muslim Canadians who are facing increased attacks, including a physical assault against a mother wearing a hijab and the burning of a mosque in Ontario.
We find it very disturbing to hear some American politicians suggesting mass internment is necessary, repeating disinformation from 1942 when 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned. Their only “crime” was that they looked like the people who bombed Pearl Harbour.
Japanese Canadians have a sick feeling of déjà vu, because in 1942, we too were incarcerated. Using the War Measures Act, our government targeted Canadians of Japanese ancestry as “enemy aliens,” stripped them of their rights, and sent them to internment camps. There was no evidence of wrongdoing, and no consideration of the loyalty of Japanese Canadians, including Second World War veterans and those who had been in B.C. since the 1800s.
We urge our government and Canadian citizens to withstand the ignorance and fear-mongering, and welcome Syrian refugees.
Lorene Oikawa, president, Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association
