In the middle of a violent racist episode, a chapel became a temporary refuge for a Haitian family
Last month, an immigrant from Haiti robbed and killed a farmer from Sabana Yegua, Azua, Dominican Republic. It was an atrocious act. The perpetrator was immediately captured and is now in the hands of justice. The crime was then followed by a disproportionate and irrational reaction against all Haitians who live in the town, which is the headquarters of La Sagrada Familia Parish. The same night of the crime, a group of people (some with criminal records) took to the streets of the town, beating and, with machetes, attacking several Haitians. They set three homes on fire, robbed and took away property from Haitians, excusing it all as retaliation for the death of the farmer.
From that moment, Haitians in town feared for their lives; many returned to Haiti, and others hid themselves in the fields, outside the village. We, as representatives of the Church, called local authorities and mobilized several organizations to stop the brutality that was occurring, asking for compliance with the law, civility and peace.
Intolerance and xenophobia against Haitians have been present for a long time in the Dominican Republic. They have deep historical, economic and social roots, and produce cyclical altercations and episodes of intolerance. When this happens, there are always voices who make the ridiculous accusation that the neighboring country (Haiti) is carrying out a peaceful invasion of the Spanish-speaking side of the island. Historical episodes from the past are mixed with present day immigration circumstances; yet, they are completely different. In fact, today Haitians are a key part of the economy of the Dominican Republic, as a workforce in agriculture, and there is no doubt that the Dominican Republic’s exports to Haiti are very important for the nation’s commerce.
Joselito, a 45-year-old man from Haiti, arrived in the DR as a twelve-year-old orphan looking for a better life. He admitted to me that he was terrified, and that he needed protection. He and his wife, Melady, have ten children, and as is the case with many families, it is very difficult to give their children all that they need. Yet, Joselito and Melady have never committed a crime and are legal residents in this country. Their children were born here and are now completing high school. He was afraid that they could be the target of the anger of those attacking Haitians just because of their nationality.
We decided to move Joselito and his family to the new chapel in Tábara Abajo, a town located a few miles away from Sabana Yegua. Therefore, this little chapel, which was inaugurated in December, had the honor of sheltering a foreigner in need of lodging. For one week, the family stayed there, without beds or furniture. At first some neighbors were suspicious, but common sense prevailed. In fact, a neighbor told us that many Dominicans have family in the USA, Spain, Italy and Switzerland: these are people who have immigrated in search of work, and none of them would like to be judged because of a crime committed by another person. Those who sparked the outrage tried to continue the talk of expelling all the Haitians from town. However, they were not supported, and finally things returned to normal. Nevertheless, it’s important not to lower our guard, for it is obvious that what happened was very, very grave.
It is essential that the law may act against those who commit a crime, regardless of their nationality, and we must promote coexistence, respect and dignity for all people. In any case, the church which is made of living stones (that is, all of us) and the church/temple (that is, the building) should always be a sheltering and welcoming place, a true home for everyone. On this occasion, our humble chapel at Tábara was just that, in a concrete and tangible way.
From that moment, Haitians in town feared for their lives; many returned to Haiti, and others hid themselves in the fields, outside the village. We, as representatives of the Church, called local authorities and mobilized several organizations to stop the brutality that was occurring, asking for compliance with the law, civility and peace.
Intolerance and xenophobia against Haitians have been present for a long time in the Dominican Republic. They have deep historical, economic and social roots, and produce cyclical altercations and episodes of intolerance. When this happens, there are always voices who make the ridiculous accusation that the neighboring country (Haiti) is carrying out a peaceful invasion of the Spanish-speaking side of the island. Historical episodes from the past are mixed with present day immigration circumstances; yet, they are completely different. In fact, today Haitians are a key part of the economy of the Dominican Republic, as a workforce in agriculture, and there is no doubt that the Dominican Republic’s exports to Haiti are very important for the nation’s commerce.
Joselito, a 45-year-old man from Haiti, arrived in the DR as a twelve-year-old orphan looking for a better life. He admitted to me that he was terrified, and that he needed protection. He and his wife, Melady, have ten children, and as is the case with many families, it is very difficult to give their children all that they need. Yet, Joselito and Melady have never committed a crime and are legal residents in this country. Their children were born here and are now completing high school. He was afraid that they could be the target of the anger of those attacking Haitians just because of their nationality.
We decided to move Joselito and his family to the new chapel in Tábara Abajo, a town located a few miles away from Sabana Yegua. Therefore, this little chapel, which was inaugurated in December, had the honor of sheltering a foreigner in need of lodging. For one week, the family stayed there, without beds or furniture. At first some neighbors were suspicious, but common sense prevailed. In fact, a neighbor told us that many Dominicans have family in the USA, Spain, Italy and Switzerland: these are people who have immigrated in search of work, and none of them would like to be judged because of a crime committed by another person. Those who sparked the outrage tried to continue the talk of expelling all the Haitians from town. However, they were not supported, and finally things returned to normal. Nevertheless, it’s important not to lower our guard, for it is obvious that what happened was very, very grave.
It is essential that the law may act against those who commit a crime, regardless of their nationality, and we must promote coexistence, respect and dignity for all people. In any case, the church which is made of living stones (that is, all of us) and the church/temple (that is, the building) should always be a sheltering and welcoming place, a true home for everyone. On this occasion, our humble chapel at Tábara was just that, in a concrete and tangible way.
