THE giant Syrian refugee puppet, known as Little Amal, arrived at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, New York on September 18.
The 12-foot-tall puppet began her pilgrimage at the Syrian-Turkish border in July 2021 and recently journeyed to New York to raise awareness for the plight of refugee children.
Little Amal, meaning ‘Little Hope’ was created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet company for a public art project called ‘The Walk’.
Artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi said the purpose of The Walk was “to highlight the potential of the refugee, not just the dire circumstance”.
“Little Amal is 3.5 metres tall because we want the world to grow big enough to greet her,” he said in a statement on The Walk’s website.
“We want her to inspire us to think big and to act bigger.”
Little Amal met with migrant families, Catholic charity representatives and St Patrick’s rector Father Enrique Salvo during her visit to the cathedral.
She will attend 55 New York events across a three-week period, ending October 2.
“For immigrants and refugees around the world, New York is seen as a place of opportunity and promise — but there’s a tension running through U.S. history that suggests not everyone is welcome here,” said Mr Zubai.
“Amal will experience the wonder of New York and also the apprehension of arriving in a strange new place.
“This is a crucial moment to explore these themes. How will she be welcomed here? Who will do the welcoming?”
In September 2021, Little Amal offered Pope Francis her enormous hand during a visit to the Vatican.
Cardinal Michael Czerny also welcomed Little Amal in Rome last year during a visit with volunteers and children.
“It is up to us to welcome and protect [migrants and refugees} as the first essential steps toward promoting their integral human development, which is the kind of future we all want,” Cardinal Czerny said.
To learn more about Little Amal’s journey please visit https://www.walkwithamal.org/
