The goal of bringing a Syrian refugee family to their community became a reality on June 6 for Drayton Reformed Church members.
With an identification sign in hand, members of a committee from the church greeted Mohammad Kheir Al Hawari, his wife Amal and their four-year-old son Loay and daughter Lama, 18 months, at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on June 6.
“Mohammad and Amal spoke quite a bit of English when they came. The committee knew they both were educated at the University of Damascus. It was an exciting experience at the airport,” said committee member Mariska Roubos.
Amal said, “We didn’t know how we find our Canadian sponsors. Mariska have sign. It was good feeling.”
With the assistance of Roubos and cell phones apps that translate Arabic to English, the couple shared their journey from Syria to Drayton in an interview with the Community News.
The family lived a good life in Syria before a civil war started, with Mohammad working in a government job and Amal working with young children.
As the war progressed it became more difficult to work, buy food or even be outside of their home. The couple remained hopeful but eventually found their only option was to leave Syria and seek refuge in the country of Jordan.
After travelling in the back of a livestock truck to Jordan, the family received aid from the Jordanian government and army upon their arrival.
“Sad, scary time but we no lose hope. We got tent and food and cooking place. Washrooms share with others. Two-room tent share with other people. Very dusty,” Mohammad said.
“No special time with wife and family.”
The journey from Syria to Drayton took three and a half years. One year was spent at the camp and the remainder of the time in an apartment in Jordan. During this time Mohammad received the devastating News of his father’s passing. Unable to return to Syria , he struggles with leaving family behind and not knowing if he will ever see them again.
Jordanians were reluctant to give the Syrian refugees jobs that Jordanians could be employed in. The couple received volunteer training from the Red Cross, Care Canada and the German Cultural Centre. Their volunteer positions included reading to children, working with home-based businesses and youth. The employment Mohammad received as a painter in Jordan paid very little.
“Too busy volunteering and forgot our problems. Sitting, talking to other people,” said Mohammad, adding they learned “other people’s problems bigger than ours.”
Tasked with finding a place to live that would provide a good future for not only the children but for themselves, the couple inquired about moving to Canada or the United States. Immigration officials offered the family an opportunity to relocate to Canada.
Even knowing nothing about the country, the couple knew it was what they needed to do, so they said yes. In the beginning they thought the offer was a joke or trick. As the reality of the situation became apparent and with only six days to pack, the family felt overwhelmed.
“Family thankful to Jordanian government for help. Come with sponsors, better off than first 25,000. God gave us help,” Amal said.
Since arriving in Canada, the family has settled into its new home. Church committee members have arranged transportation to English classes, medical appointments and have been a constant support.
Roubos said, “Mohammad and Amal and their children are a good fit for our committee and our community. They are willing to learn, help and work.
The committee has arranged cooking classes for Amal and Mohammad has done odd jobs in the community. He is looking for work as a painter. We have named him, ‘The guy with the brush.’”
Mohammad was quick to say he loved Canada and dreams of one day becoming a Canadian citizen. Building up his reputation, getting people to trust him and doing good are important to him.
“New family in Canada. Everyone interested to help. Thank you church and government. Hope be self sufficient,” Mohammad said.
The family’s Christmas plans include celebrating in both traditional Syrian and Canadian style. They say they want to become more involved in the community with their children.
