Amman, Sept 30 (Petra) -- Jordanian lawyer and community leader Haitham Abu Karaki is continuing his community work in the Canadian city of London, Ontario, through a volunteer initiative that raises awareness of rights and responsibilities. The idea grew out of his observation of the legal and cultural differences between societies. It aims to help community members, particularly newcomers, understand the legal and social environment in Canada.

Abu Karaki told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the initiative was prompted by differences in legal systems and cultures between countries. He explained that Canada receives immigrants from a wide range of backgrounds, which leaves some of them facing a legal and social system that differs from the one they were used to in their home countries.

He added that what may be permitted in one country can constitute a violation or a crime in another, which makes raising awareness of rights, duties, and local laws a necessity for newcomers.

He said the idea began with an initiative launched by the City of London called "Neighborhood Decision Making," in which the project received 248 votes. That helped it secure initial funding from the city before its work later expanded through cooperation with government, security, academic, and community institutions.

He said the initiative carried out a project called "Together Against Online Crime," funded by the Canadian Ministry of the Attorney General and run in cooperation with the London Police Service and Western University, as well as the City of London and a number of Canadian institutions and companies.

He said the initiative's programs focus on raising awareness of fraud, addiction, homelessness, financial literacy, family issues, and housing, noting that the evolution of fraud methods, especially online, requires awareness programs to be updated continuously.

He stressed that the awareness sessions are delivered by qualified, licensed experts, while the initiative operates on a volunteer basis and has no salaried staff. Some spending is limited to operating costs, the production of visual materials, translation, and support services.

Speaking about his Jordanian background, Abu Karaki said the values he was raised with in Jordan, foremost among them helping others, aiding those in need, and the concept of "fazaa" in its positive sense, which refers to rushing to the assistance of others, had shaped his approach to community work.

He said he takes pride in his Jordanian roots and that serving the community and helping others is a way of putting into practice, in his new environment, the values he grew up with. He described the chance for a Jordanian to leave a positive mark on Canadian society as "a great honor and source of pride."

He said members of the Jordanian community in Canada make important contributions to Canadian society, among them doctors, engineers, university professors, merchants, contractors, and accountants. He noted that the community needs more organization and a shared vision to unify efforts and make the most of these talents.

He also pointed to the "Jordanian Nashama" group in Canada, which provides a space for communication and for exchanging help and expertise among community members.

Abu Karaki said preserving Jordanian identity and integrating into Canadian society can go hand in hand, adding that Jordanians abroad can, through their work, conduct and relationships, present a positive image of their country.

In a message to young Jordanians in the kingdom and to members of the community abroad, he said "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." He urged them to put their energy and talents to use in serving society and to show determination and perseverance rather than give in to obstacles.

He concluded: "Just as others have managed to achieve, you can too, but you have to work and toil, and everyone who strives gets their share."

//Petra// AF

30/09/2026 22:54:55