“This beautiful town has good people” — Asylum seeker in Newbridge, County Kildare, hopes to be accepted in the community

An International Protection Applicant (asylum seeker) currently being accommodated in The Gables in Newbridge has explained how he hopes to join the town's community.

The man, known as Karim, was liasing with the integration group Newbridge For All on Monday when he made the statement.

His statement was also shared on the official Facebook page for Newbridge For All, with Karim's permission.

Karim said: "Hello, I just wanted to send this message to you, to your kind group, which filled my heart with joy tonight after the pressure and anxiety that I have suffered these days as a result of the anti-refugee demonstrations.

"I am one of the asylum seekers in the Gables. I do not hide from you that I have suffered from anxiety and pressure terrible as a result of the demonstrations that accompanied our arrival, but I know in my heart that this beautiful town has good people, who meet us with a sweet, heart-warming smile from time to time."

He continued: "As for the rest who oppose us, I want to tell them not to worry and not to be afraid: we did not come here to harm anyone and not to take away anyone’s rights.

"We only left our countries because of the harm we faced, hoping for a good future in this good country with its kind people and kind land, I hope they do not fall into the lies and rumors that are attributed to us.

"All (the boys) who are here are good, peaceful people.

"I ask you to accept us among you and we promise that we will be there for you. Thank you," Karim concluded.