This is in response to the column, “We bring the expatriates then complain about them” by Abdulateef Al-Mulhim makes me happy and inspired, knowing that in a distant land where many Filipino expatriates are working, there are sensible and thoughtful opinion makers like Al-Mulhim, who look at expatriates as friends not foes.
In his piece, Al-Mulhim has explained to his compatriots about contributions of expatriates to the development of their country. Al-Mulhim’s attitude toward expatriates is laudable. His intelligent and careful discussion also provides a “humane” approach to such a critical issue in Saudi Arabia. Reading the article one can continue to find hope and inspiration in this ever-changing landscape of humanity. Al-Mulhim’s arguments are in the backdrop of the ongoing Saudization program which aims to replace expatriate workers with Saudi nationals. Filipinos make up the fourth-largest group of expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia.
The author specifically recalled how expatriates contributed to the promotion of internal security of their country in times of war and difficulties, saying: “Many of the expatriates enjoy being in the Kingdom and have stayed here for a pretty long time. Many of them consider Saudi Arabia as their first home and many of them have deep loyalty to the Kingdom. We have seen them stand by our side in many difficult times. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, all the expatriates stood by our side.” (Ronald Reyes, Posted on Facebook.com)
Islamic heritage
I was greatly amused to read a comment that Europe may sweep its Islamic heritage under the carpet by a memory loss called the Dark Ages.
Historians have begun to revise their view that the so-called Dark Ages ever existed in such absolute black-and-white terms. E.H Gombich used the term “starry night” to describe a Europe in which learning had certainly decayed in central and western Europe, but where Latin, Greek and Hebrew learning was preserved along the Celtic fringe in Ireland, Scotland and northern and western England. From here it spread throughout Europe paving the way for the Renaissance and the Reformation. Thomas Cahill wrote a book a decade ago called “How The Irish Saved Civilization” detailing this most interesting period in European history.
Also, it is neither fair nor true to suggest that Europe has swept its Islamic heritage under the carpet. If anyone wishes to view the largest collection of Islamic manuscripts in the world they may do so at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin. (Sean Goulding, Jeddah)
Love for animals
A year ago, I wrote about what we used to see through our kitchen window on a triangular-shaped bare land, which has become a feeding ground for pigeons and stray cats. We used to see an elderly Saudi gentleman dutifully walking up to this place every morning and evening armed with seeds and grains for the pigeons and milk for the cats. Apart from the devotion displayed by this gentleman, what amazed us most was his ability to create harmony between the two species, the cats and the pigeons. The normally aggressive cats have learned to coexist with pigeons under the influence of this compassionate gentleman. This was something absolutely moving to watch and we never got tired of seeing it over and over again. Especially, in an era where human beings are not safe even in a place of worship of any faith, this was something really pleasing to our eyes. In the meantime, in a world where compassion has become a rare commodity, I paid rich tribute to this Saudi gentleman then, for his unlimited love and devotion for animals. For him every day was an “animal day” unlike for some who celebrated it annually just for symbolic purpose.
The saddest thing of all is that, as all good things have to come to an end, the curtain had to fall on this most loved show for my whole family. The reason being, as in other parts of Riyadh, on this piece of bare land a new construction boom is taking place and we have now sadly lost the sight of the cats and the pigeons scared away by the presence of heavy-machinery and their frightening noises. We are confident that the noble Saudi gentleman will not give up his “dependents,” the cats and the pigeons, so easily and he will relocate them soon. However, for us the curtain has fallen on a show we enjoyed watching most for a long period of time. We have no doubts that he will be amply rewarded for all his good deeds. (S.H. Moulana, Riyadh)
Letters — Contributions of expatriates
