SOME of our own reactions in Australia are reflected in the response, or lack thereof, of the European Union.
After the Second World War (1939-45), which is being celebrated now, Europeans joined hands to build bridges, working together to create societies in which fundamental rights and shared values would become cornerstones.
The EU is now facing a huge refugee crisis not seen since the War and its States are not coping.
Hungary has sealed off its railway terminal to stem the influx from people fleeing war torn countries. Bulgaria is building a wall to keep migrants out. The UK has plans for something similar in the French port of Calais on the other side of the Channel. Greece, itself in the grip of a financial crisis, is struggling with the migrant influx.
Germany and even France are proposing more hospitable arrangements but there is internal opposition from anti-immigration groups.
One country that stands out – Iceland. The Icelandic government announced last week that it was prepared to accept 50 people seeking asylum from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan over the next two years – but after overwhelming pressure from the public and both sides of politics, that quota could soon swell into the thousands. At the heart of the push is a Facebook campaign by the Icelandic author Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir which, in just 24 hours inspired 11,000 Icelanders, from a population of only 300,000, to offer up their homes to people seeking asylum.
Surely this is true of Australians as well, confronted by refugees and asylum seekers. Why can’t we see them as our future spouses, best friends, the next soulmate, a drummer for the Kid’s band, the next colleague at work, the carpenter who finally finishes the bathroom, the cook in the cafeteria, a fireman and television host? Why this fear? If its not a phobia then what is? We need to examine our own consciences too.