Hundreds of Syrian Canadians gathered in front of Calgary City Hall on Sunday, chanting, dancing, singing and praying for a free Syria.
After nearly 14 years of civil war and more than 50 years of Assad family rule, the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad collapsed over the weekend.
Many Syrians in Calgary, like Sam Nammura, say they can’t believe it.
“I didn’t feel free until yesterday,” Namura said in amazement. “The first thing that always comes to our mind is can we say this? Can we say that? Do you have to watch what you say here…because you’re always worried that someone back home is going to get hurt.”
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Others, like Fatima Al-Aqda and her father, feel joy.
Al-Oqda said: “Today is a great day for Syrians.” “The dictator has officially fallen, after fourteen years.”
Many who have come to Alberta over the past decade say even though Canada is now home, they hope to visit friends and family in Syria, once it is safe to do so.
“We can’t now because there are still…there are still some things that need to be fixed,” Alokda explained. “But we definitely plan to come back to visit our family.”
Throughout their stay in Canada, as well as hope for the future, they are grateful for this kindness.
“We will never forget what Canada did for us,” Alokda said. “Canada means a lot to us.”
&Copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
