Banksy Made A Rare Statement About His Mural Highlighting The Syrian Refugee Crisis

A new mural from Banksy seemingly popped up overnight in a refugee camp referred to as “the Jungle” in Calais, France. The scene depicts Steve Jobs as a Syrian refugee, and the mural stands among the tents that fill the camp. Alongside the mural stand the following words: “Nobody deserves to live this way.” The symbolism in this piece arrives with the knowledge that Jobs is the son of a Syrian migrant who moved to the United States after WWII.

Jobs is shown carrying a very early computer monitor and a backpack, and Banksy’s message is clear. Refugees can contribute many positive things to the countries who welcome them. These people endure brutal and heartbreaking fates, but deserve the opportunity to build new lives. In the rarest of statements, Banksy expressed his purpose for the mural:

“We’re often led to believe migration is a drain on the country’s resources, but Steve Jobs was the son of a Syrian migrant. Apple is the world’s most profitable company, it pays over $7 billion a year in taxes – and it only exists because they allowed in a young man from Homs.”

Banksy has also contributed infrastructure in the form of Dismaland set pieces that are being repurposed to build shelters in the Jungle, which used to be a trash dump. In addition, a community center and children’s playground are in the works, thanks to the anonymous graffiti artist.

(Via The Independent)