"I feel like I have a bigger whānau," the father said at his Murray St home yesterday.
The support from the community came after the family’s shed was torched in a deliberately lit fire last week, which they say was the culmination of two and a-half years of harassment and racism.
Some Mosgiel residents have joined together to hold an event on Saturday that aims to give support and assistance to the family and give other vulnerable people the courage to speak up for themselves, friends, family and neighbourhoods.
The Givealittle campaign set up for the family to raise money for new security cameras and lights had raised more than $15,000 by yesterday.
The father, who the Otago Daily Times has agreed not to name, was overwhelmed at how the community had come together to support his family.
"I understand these people who were targeting me — they are just representing themselves and they do not represent the [Mosgiel] community," he said.
He was excited about Saturday.
"I am looking forward to it, especially when I found out about the enormous amount of support I received."
Former neighbour and event organiser Natalie Sinclair said the event at 1pm on Saturday was to ensure the family knew wholeheartedly it was supported in the Mosgiel community despite the troubles and challenges to which they had been subjected.
The event would also include a circle of silence and a prayer in Māori, Arabic and English.
Sports Otago and Silverstream School were providing sports equipment for activities. There would also be hair braiding, nail and face painting, and an art station.
A barbecue would be set up for refreshments and halal food, and food trucks would be there.
The Mosgiel Volunteer Fire Brigade, which responded to the initial fire, would also be coming to Murray St with a fire appliance and information trailer.
Dunedin Syrian Society president and fellow event organiser Wasim Askar said the Syrian community, like any other refugee group settling in New Zealand, faced challenges.
That was especially true in the early stages of learning the language and culture.
"Unfortunately, these families are more likely to be targeted by bullies at schools and racists near their homes or workplaces," Mr Askar said.
While most Syrians had positive experiences and felt supported in their resettlement process, some experienced threats, bullying and attacks on themselves and their properties.
"Some families have faced difficulties in learning the language quickly enough to effectively speak up, possibly due to barriers or disabilities they may have."
Also involved in organising the event are fellow Mosgiel residents Natalie Sinclair Tahuna Eriepa, Kerah Kitaarmā, Keryn Tamatea and Tanga Tiatoa.
