The first words spoken by Bassam and Asani Hamdan to Global News through an interpreter couldn’t have been more clear.
“It is a very good feeling and they are very happy and they thank the Government of Canada.”
Bassam, Asani and their five children, aged three to 14, are among 36 Syrian refugees to arrive in Saint John so far.
READ MORE: Syrian refugees settling in Fredericton to get free transit service for year
The long journey to get to this point was difficult, according to Bassam. Their home in Syria was destroyed and they were forced out by war. He couldn’t bring food to his family and they were surrounded.
They wound up spending four months in a refugee camp, wind-swept in the desert, which made it difficult for the children to breathe.
The Hamdans are among the thousands of Syrians to arrive in Canada as part of a huge multinational effort to resettle people who have been forced from their homes. Bassam is a farmer by trade but wants to learn some English before thinking about a job.
They said making the decision to leave loved ones behind was very difficult.
“Yes they parted from their families, their parents,” Asani said through the interpreter. “They also have relatives still in Syria, but they must choose the best choice for their life.”
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Their spirits are quick to brighten when they speak of their children, their happiness, excitement and a love of the snow.
Shilo Boucher, CEO of the Saint John Regional YMCA, says hearing their story helps people put their own experiences in perspective.
“To hear what they’ve gone through to get here, and how happy to be here and they love the snow and the cold weather — that’s amazing,” she said.
She said there is still a need for volunteers, housing, and health-care professionals willing to donate their time. but added that the most important thing the community can do is continue to show a welcoming spirit.
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