Syrian Refugee Family Reflects on Nearly a Decade in Canada
A Syrian family shares their journey of hope and resilience after nearly ten years of rebuilding their lives in Canada
Edmonton, Syria, Refugees, Asylum, Family, Community
Edmonton: Amani Shamseddin finds it tough to talk about her life in Syria. It’s been almost ten years since she and her family left, and the memories are still heavy.
As she sits in her cozy living room, her kids are all around her, and she takes a moment to gather her thoughts. “It wasn’t safe back then,” she says. “I don’t want to think about it.”
Back in 2015, Canada made a promise to help 25,000 Syrians fleeing the war. Since then, over 100,000 have found refuge here. Amani, her husband Mahmoud, and their kids Ahmad and Ghena were among them, escaping Damascus in April 2016.
They first stayed in Lebanon before making their way to Canada. The Syrian conflict has been devastating, with over 250,000 lives lost and millions displaced. Amani reflects on how grateful she is for the safety they’ve found in Edmonton.
“We had so many hopes,” she smiles, thinking about their new life. Back in Syria, every day was filled with fear. Bombs and airstrikes were a constant threat, making it hard to think about anything beyond survival.
When they learned about the chance to come to Canada, it felt like a lifeline. They had family in Alberta who encouraged them to apply for asylum. “We thought it might be a good opportunity for us and the kids,” she recalls.
With the help of a mosque and a church in Toronto, they made the journey. Amani remembers landing at Pearson International Airport, feeling overwhelmed and emotional. “I thought it was going to be like paradise,” she says, tears in her eyes.
Settling in Toronto wasn’t easy. They lived in a cramped apartment and faced challenges with the cost of living. They missed their community and had to adapt to a new culture and language.
Three years ago, they moved to Edmonton to be closer to family. Getting their Canadian citizenship was a huge milestone for them. “It felt like our dream was coming true,” Amani shares.
She often thinks about her family still in Syria, wishing for their safety. With the recent political changes, Canada is still processing many asylum claims from Syrians.
Life in Canada has had its ups and downs. Amani and Mahmoud are busy raising four kids and managing expenses. But they keep pushing forward. While pregnant with her youngest, Amani studied hard to become a teacher’s assistant, and now she works at a local school.
Her eldest son, Ahmad, is in his final year of high school and dreams of becoming a doctor. Ghena wants to be a nurse, while their two youngest, Selena and Mila, are thriving in their Canadian upbringing.
Amani encourages her kids to learn from their experiences and to stay strong. “Be the best example of a Syrian, a Muslim, a human being,” she tells them. “No matter what challenge you face.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2025.
Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press