A family from India lives here because of their work at a large Dutch bank. But that’s not the only reason. “In India there is a lot of CO2 in the air, so it is good for health,” says the youngest. The father of the family adds that he is also here for the climate: “Its too Hot in India. Here we love it”.
Kathy Quintere came from Chile as a six-year-old, lived in the Netherlands for years and returned to her home country in her twenties. She built a life there with her husband and children, but she missed the Netherlands too much. “I wanted to return to the Netherlands, this is where my heart is.”
Uneeb Raza fled to the Netherlands because he thought it was too dangerous in his home country Pakistan. “I didn’t feel safe and I was afraid of being killed.”
New Purmerenders
Mayor Van Selm led the ceremony today for the 32 adults and six children. She called on those present to integrate by joining clubs and responding to invitations in the neighborhood.
Over the years there have been a number of protests against asylum seeker centers and refugee shelters in the city. Yet Van Selm is proud and happy that she can welcome the new Dutch people. “They have become Dutch, and we have to ensure that we keep things going well in the city”
Van Selm: “We have a lot of people here who live on top of each other, so we have to make a good effort to keep that going.” In addition to the mayor’s words, those present received a bouquet of flowers and a cookbook with tips from Purmerend and the Beemster.