Amani Shamseddin, a 33-year-old Syrian refugee residing in Edmonton, finds it difficult to recount her life in war-torn Syria a decade ago. The memories of insecurity and frequent incidents of violence are still too painful to revisit. She arrived in Canada in April 2016 with her husband, Mahmoud, and their two young children, Ahmad and Ghena, after a brief stay in Lebanon. Their escape was part of a larger exodus prompted by the Syrian civil war, a conflict that has claimed over 250,000 lives, displaced millions internally, and forced over six million to seek refuge abroad. Shamseddin’s journey to Canada coincided with the Canadian government’s 2015 commitment to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees within 100 days, a promise that evolved into the welcoming of over 100,000 Syrian newcomers.
Life in Damascus was a constant struggle for survival. The pervasive fear of airstrikes and the tragic loss of neighbors fleeing the violence overshadowed every aspect of their existence. Shamseddin was terrified to send her children to school, the ever-present threat of bombs making even the most mundane activities perilous. The family’s focus narrowed to simply navigating each day, with little thought given to the future. The uncertainty of their situation made long-term planning impossible; survival was their sole priority.
Hope emerged in late 2015 when they learned about Canada’s refugee program. Encouraged by relatives already living in Alberta, they applied for asylum, seeing it as a chance for a better future for their children. While hope flickered, the uncertainty of their application weighed heavily on them. A joint effort by a mosque and a church in Toronto sponsored their resettlement, and by April 2016, their journey to Canada began. The flight to Toronto was Shamseddin’s first major trip outside of Lebanon. Landing at Pearson International Airport was an intensely emotional experience, a blend of overwhelming relief and the burgeoning hope of a new beginning.
Their initial experience in Toronto presented numerous challenges. The family struggled with the high cost of living, cramped into a small two-bedroom apartment. The absence of a familiar Islamic community, coupled with the unfamiliarity of the culture, language, and weather, added to their difficulties. After three years in Toronto, the desire to be closer to family prompted a move to Edmonton. This relocation brought a much-needed sense of support and belonging, further solidified by their eventual attainment of Canadian citizenship. This milestone marked the realization of their dream – the freedom to choose where they live and build their lives.
The recent fall of the Assad regime in Syria, after decades of rule and years of brutal civil war, brings mixed emotions for Shamseddin. While acknowledging the momentous shift in her homeland, she still worries for family members remaining in Syria. Canada’s continued commitment to processing Syrian asylum claims, even as some European countries reassess their policies, offers a glimmer of hope for those still seeking refuge. For Shamseddin, the news from Syria is a stark reminder of the perilous journey her family undertook and the fortunate opportunity they were given in Canada.
Life in Canada has not been without its hardships. The rising cost of living continues to be a concern, compounded by the demands of raising four children. However, these challenges have not deterred Shamseddin and her husband from pursuing their goals. While pregnant with her youngest child, Shamseddin embarked on the demanding path of becoming a teacher’s assistant, eventually earning her diploma and securing a position at a local school. Her husband works in maintenance, and together they provide for their growing family. Their eldest children, Ahmad and Ghena, are thriving in school, aspiring to be a doctor and a nurse, respectively. Their two younger children, Selena and Mila, were born in Canada and are now an integral part of their family’s Canadian story.
Reflecting on their experiences, Shamseddin encourages her children to embrace their journey, emphasizing resilience and the importance of being positive role models. She instills in them the values of perseverance and the importance of contributing to their community, urging them to be the best examples they can be, regardless of the challenges they encounter. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of hope, and the opportunity for a new beginning in a welcoming land.
