Hundreds of Syrian Canadians gathered in front of Calgary City Hall on Sunday to applaud, dance, sing and pray 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 Nammoura, say they can’t believe it.
“I never felt free until yesterday,” exclaimed Nammoura. “The first thing that always comes to mind is: Can we say that? Can we say that? Do you have to be careful what you say here…because you are always afraid that someone in your home will get hurt.
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Others, like Fatima Alokda and her father, are filled with joy.
“Today is a great day for Syrians,” Alokda said. “The dictator officially fell after fourteen years. »
Many of those who have come to Alberta over the past decade say that although Canada is now home, they hope to visit friends and family in Syria once it is safe.
“We can’t do it right now because there are still… there are still things that need to be fixed,” Alokda explained. “But we definitely plan to come back and visit, to see our family.”
Throughout their stay in Canada, aside from hope for the future, they are grateful for their kindness.
“We will never forget what Canada has done for us,” said Alokda. “Canada means a lot to us. »
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