In 1940, when Jews were "allowed" to come to the Dominican Republic, Sosua was created as a refugee settlement. As I read the postings about Haitians ruining this quaint tourist town, I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. As far as I know, DORSA, the NY corporation set up to build Sosua, still owns the streets of the town where Haitian children now sleep.
I'm imagining how Dominican history would be different if large numbers of German, British, American, Palestinian and Lebanese residents of the DR had complained about allowing those Jews into the country. I'm imagining my family getting off the boat and having to sleep on the street. Instead, the Americans and Dominicans established a well run settlement where people could build new homes, schools and fincas.
As for the ship them back to Haiti argument--again, imagine shipping the Jewish refugees back to Germany or Shanghai. Then there is the problem of how to distinguish between new arrivals and children who were dumped on the street by their Dominican/Haitian parents or "sugar daddies and mommies". Finally, we can see the long term problems created by generations raised in refugee camps in Palestine. You don't want a Gaza strip between Haiti and the DR.
The DR was once a haven for displaced people. When did we stop and welcome anyone with money regardless of need?
I'm imagining how Dominican history would be different if large numbers of German, British, American, Palestinian and Lebanese residents of the DR had complained about allowing those Jews into the country. I'm imagining my family getting off the boat and having to sleep on the street. Instead, the Americans and Dominicans established a well run settlement where people could build new homes, schools and fincas.
As for the ship them back to Haiti argument--again, imagine shipping the Jewish refugees back to Germany or Shanghai. Then there is the problem of how to distinguish between new arrivals and children who were dumped on the street by their Dominican/Haitian parents or "sugar daddies and mommies". Finally, we can see the long term problems created by generations raised in refugee camps in Palestine. You don't want a Gaza strip between Haiti and the DR.
The DR was once a haven for displaced people. When did we stop and welcome anyone with money regardless of need?