A Difficult Past

Amani Shamseddin finds it hard to express her memories of Syria, even nearly a decade after leaving. As she lounges in her cozy Edmonton home, her children vying for her attention, she takes a moment to collect her thoughts. "It wasn't safe; we had so many incidents," the 33-year-old recounts, visibly pained. "I don’t want to bring it back."

Canada's Response to the Crisis

In late 2015, Canada began its ambitious plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees within just 100 days, a response to the brutal civil war ravaging the country since 2011. Since those early days, over 100,000 Syrians have found refuge within Canadian borders.

A New Life Begins

Among them are Amani, her husband Mahmoud, and their children Ahmad and Ghena, who were just eight and four when they left Damascus in April 2016. After a brief stay in Lebanon, they finally secured asylum in Canada—a beacon of hope amid the despair of war. The conflict has claimed more than 250,000 lives, leaving millions displaced both inside Syria and abroad, a sobering statistic that weighs heavy on Amani’s heart.

Gratitude for New Beginnings

Reflecting on their near decade in Canada, Amani expresses gratitude for the life they’ve built in Edmonton. Although navigating a new country has brought its share of hurdles, the family's escape from conflict remains something she treasures deeply. “We had so many hopes,” she shares with a warm smile, though the memory of fear looms large.

The Reality of War

In war-torn Damascus, every day was marked by airstrikes and the harrowing loss of neighbors. Amani recalls the constant anxiety that gripped her as she hesitated to send her son, Ahmad, to school or to let her daughter, Ghena, start kindergarten amid the chaos of bombs. “We were just trying to survive each day. I never thought about what the future might hold,” she admits, reflecting on the terrifying uncertainty.

The Journey to Canada

The Shamseddin family began to see a glimmer of hope late in 2015 when relatives in Alberta relayed the possibility of a brighter future in Canada. Sponsored by a local mosque and a church, Amani and her family boarded a plane, leaving their homeland behind. “I was overwhelmed,” she recalls of their arrival at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. “I imagined it would be like paradise.”

Struggles in a New Land

However, their initial months in Toronto were challenging. Living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment and grappling with the city's high cost of living amid a cultural and linguistic barrier proved to be tough. Three years later, they moved to Edmonton to be closer to family, which added a layer of comfort that deeply impacted their lives.

Becoming Citizens

The pride of becoming Canadian citizens solidified their sense of belonging. "Whenever we got our citizenship, we felt like we could go wherever we wanted… like our dream was coming true," Amani beamed.

Concerns for Family Still in Syria

Yet, the story is bittersweet. With the conflict in Syria, particularly the recent developments involving President Bashar Assad, Amani frequently worries for her loved ones still in the country. Canada continues to accept asylum claims from those fleeing Syria, despite shifts in policy across Europe.

A Family's Adaptation

Today, life remains a balancing act for Amani and Mahmoud as they adapt to a new reality while raising four children. Amani, who was pregnant when she returned to school, has achieved her goal of becoming a teacher's assistant, a feat she calls "so hard," but worth every moment. Ahmad, now 17 and on the brink of graduating high school, aspires to become a doctor, while Ghena, now in Grade 9, dreams of nursing.

Instilling Resilience

Through the challenges that life throws at them, Amani instills resilience in her children, encouraging them to learn and grow from their experiences. "Be the best example of a Syrian, a Muslim, a human being," she advises. “No matter what challenge you face.”

A Journey of Hope

The journey from war to safety is one of perseverance and hope, embodying the incredible strength of a family who dared to dream of a better tomorrow. As Canada continues to welcome refugees, stories like Amani's serve as reminders of the profound impact of compassion and community in rebuilding lives.