Alan Kurdi’s Family Respond To Missy Higgins’ Charity Single ‘Oh Canada’

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Last week our fave Aussie lass, Missy Higgins released a song inspired by the Syrian Refugee Crisis. The song explores the wider issues of rich white westerners’ lack of empathy towards the struggles of others and the growing indifference towards those with the right to seek asylum.

To say the song is a major tear-jerker would be an gross understatement.

It inspired by the tragic tale of Alan Kurdi, the drowned Syrian boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach last year. The song tells the story of the three-year-old who was found dead on the beach after fleeing Syria for Canada, with his brother and their parents.

Even more devastating, the video is framed by drawing from displaced children affected by the refugee crisis facilitated by Caritas and World Vision. Higgins the ledge that she is, will be donating 100% of net profits from the song to the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre.

The song has had an overwhelming affect on those that have heard and seen it and has racked up over 120 thousand views so far. Kelly Clarkson has even tweeted about the song to her 10 million followers.

Alan’s father Abdullah was the only survivor from the tragedy. Alan’s aunt Tima Kurdi spoke with CBC News about Abdulah’s reaction, who said he was saddened by the song.

“He said, ‘She is telling the truth. She is telling the story of the tragedy … but honestly, every time somebody is using my son’s picture, no matter what the reason is, it will put us down to zero with our feelings and bring back the pain,” said the aunt.

Tima Kurdi said she did understand the song was well-intended and did find the song “beautiful”, but noted that both her and her brother would prefer anyone who uses Alan’s story to let the family know ahead of time.

In an interview with CBC News, Higgins said she did not mean to disrespect the Kurdi family and was surprised her song has had global reach.

She empathized with the Kurdi family, saying:

“I just can’t imagine losing my entire family,” she said. “All that I can say is that I’m so, so sorry.”

Higgins said she used the story of the Kurdi family to remind the world to not let another tragedy like Alan’s happen again.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the song below.

Header image via ABC & John Donegan/YouTube