Little Amal comes to Camden [Simon Lamrock]

LITTLE Amal walked more than 5,000 miles on a journey from Syria to the UK – but the puppet, which made global headlines as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the plight of refugees, is not done yet.

At the weekend, the figure – standing more than three metres high – visited Parliament Hill Fields, the Rowley Way estate in Swiss Cottage and Somers Town as part of a festival celebrating hope and art.

Organised by a partnership of Little Amal creators The Walk Productions, Jewish community centre the JW3, the Town Hall and the Ramadan Tent Project, thousands of people turned out to greet the iconic representation of a small child fleeing adults’ conflicts.

The Town Hall became involved in the project as Camden was declared a “Borough of Sanctuary”, aimed at recognising Camden’s long history of welcoming people from other countries – and that today that spirit is as important as ever.

Thousands turn out to see Little Amal in Somers Town [Simon Lamrock]

Culture chief Labour councillor Sabrina Francis said she was proud to have this global icon visit Camden estates.

She added: “As a borough, we have a long and proud history of providing sanctuary and support for those fleeing violence and persecution to help re-build their lives, and we’re currently home to more than 1,000 refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people.

“Our diverse and vibrant communities make Camden the special place that it is and I’m proud that we are now recognised as a ‘borough of sanctuary’ to send a message that our borough is open to all.

“I hope residents and visitors will join us and show support for refugees in the borough as we celebrate our interfaith communities and multiculturalism.”

Actor Juliet Stevenson greeted Little Amal at Parliament Hill Fields on Saturday, and spoke of the importance of helping others who were seeking shelter. On Sunday, Amal walked from Somers Town to Granary Square in King’s Cross, where the puppet joined an interfaith celebration to mark Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

Little Amal producer David Lan added: “In her short life, Amal has found tremendous welcome in so many homes in many countries, particularly in the hearts and imaginations of tens of thousands of Londoners, young and old. As Easter, Passover and Ramadan coincide, we hope Amal will reunite with many of her old friends and make new ones as she reminds us that, if we choose, we can welcome and care for all refugees, regardless of their skin colour, their religion or their background.”

SEE ALSO CNJ’S BIRTHDAY – SUPPORT CAMPAIGNING JOURNALISM

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK. CLICK BANNER.