Student kept home as refugee fears grip Rijssen

One family in Rijssen has decided not to send their son back to school after the autumn holidays because of the 150 refugees the municipality will be offering shelter in De Stroekeld gymnasium in the town. He is very concerned about the refugees staying in the gymnasium close to his son's school. The boy's father informed the municipality of his decision in a letter, RTV Oost reports. In the letter he asks the municipality to take its responsibility, adding that he has taken up his own responsibility to put safety first. "I can not go to work with peace of mind. I will inform my employer and the school of this." The letter also raises concerns about the health risks involved in taking in asylum seekers. "Here in Rijssen there are many people who have not been vaccinated because of their religious convictions. Are you aware that the guests to whom you are offering shelter can bring illnesses with them?" Rijssen Mayor Arco Hofland was threatened with death last week because of the emergency shelter for refugees planned for the town. This family man speaks out against the threats in his letter. "I find it absurd that the mayor has been threatened. I definitely reject that. I am for freedom of expression and against threatening people. What I find even more absurd is how the municipality is treating its people. Nothing has been asked, but something is imposed on us." The municipality of Rijssen-Holten told the broadcaster that they are aware of the letter and it will be discussed on Tuesday.