Portopalo di Capo Passero, Sicily
Portopalo di Capo Passero, a small fishing town on the southern tip of Sicily, has seen its share of immigrants trying to enter the country. Many have been successful and stay in Italy long enough to get their bearings and then travel to other European countries in search of work. Tragically, there are repeated accounts of boats capsizing and, ultimately, thousands have lost their lives when trying to make the treacherous journey to freedom and the hope of economic opportunity. The distance by sea between Tunisia and Portopalo di Capo Passero is not far, but what is small in kilometers is directly opposite to the dangers involved in this water crossing. Boats unfit for such a trip, overloaded with passengers, lacking sufficient food and water, and, often, owned by dishonest and unscrupulous men, have frequently not arrived safely and those that make it across are in such poor shape that they end up in the town's "ship graveyard"... a very grim sight.
After talking with some local fishermen about their work, we met with three young men, all illegal immigrants, who arrived safely, but whose lives hang "in the balance" as they await proper documentation and eventual employment. Looking at their smiles and listening to their hopes for a better life, it was sobering to think about where they had come from, the families left
behind, and the fear and despair that had brought them to Sicily.
Lunch was enjoyed with several local families; lots of glorious, homemade food, laughter and conversation, and small gifts given to each one of us. This was certainly a day of celebrating the "human spirit" and left us all with heartfelt memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment