A decade since Canada opened its doors, Syrians reflect on home away from home

This year marks a significant milestone for many Syrian refugees who found a new home in Canada. It has been ten years since Canada opened its doors to those fleeing the devastating civil war in Syria. In a vibrant celebration held in Mississauga, Ontario, Khaled Abdulwahed, a 31-year-old Syrian who resettled in Toronto, expressed his joy and relief. The event began with a small gathering of people, but as news spread that the city of Homs had been liberated from government control, the square filled with cheering crowds waving Syrian flags. Khaled, who was just a teenager when he first participated in protests against the Syrian government, shared his emotional journey. He recalled crying for over 45 minutes when he learned that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country, marking a turning point in the civil war. Now a proud Canadian citizen, Khaled has taken on the role of an advocate for human rights, earning him the nickname 'the Syrian mayor of Toronto. ' He believes it is now their responsibility to help rebuild Syria and support their families from Canada. Muzna Dureid, another Syrian refugee, also shared her story. She faced immense challenges in Syria, witnessing her brother's arrest and the assassination of her uncle for his pro-democracy stance. Muzna managed to escape to Canada, where she found a welcoming family in Quebec who helped her settle in. They even sponsored her family to join her later. Muzna feels a deep connection to both Canada and Syria, expressing her desire to work towards gender equality in her home country. Many Syrian refugees in Canada feel a strong sense of belonging and gratitude for the opportunities they have received. However, there are also concerns about the current situation in Syria. Basel Abou Hamrah, who resettled in Canada with his family, expressed his worries about returning to Syria. He is particularly concerned about the safety of LGBTQ individuals under the new government, which has raised questions about the future of freedoms in the country. While some refugees are excited about the possibility of returning home, they are also cautious. Israa El Issa, a mother of four who fled Aleppo, shared her feelings of estrangement from her family. She had plans to continue her studies in Canada to become a nurse, but now she is considering returning to Syria to be with her loved ones. Israa believes that despite the challenges, Syria will always be her home. The stories of these Syrian refugees highlight the complex emotions they experience as they navigate their new lives in Canada while holding onto their dreams of returning to their homeland. They are grateful for the safety and opportunities they have found but also feel a strong desire to help rebuild Syria and support their families from afar. The journey of these individuals reflects the resilience and hope that many refugees carry with them as they seek to create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.