A decade since Canada opened its doors, Syrians reflect on home away from home

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Posted on 12/15/2024 2:29:04 PM PST by MinorityRepublican

It started with just a small group gathered in Mississauga's Celebration Square, rejoicing that 10,000 km (6,200 miles) away, the Syrian city of Homs had fallen to rebel forces.

But when news broke that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country, putting an end to the country's civil war, this town square in a small Canadian city became flooded with people celebrating, many of whom had fled Assad's regime for Canada just a decade ago.

"I was crying for more than 45 minutes," said Khaled Abdulwahed, a 31-year-old Syrian who resettled in Toronto when he was just a young man and helped organise Sunday's impromptu event.

Now a Canadian citizen, Mr Abdulwahed - who was 17 when he first participated in anti-government protests in Syria - has continued to advocate for the human-rights of his country, which has earned him the title of the "Syrian mayor of Toronto".

While many have begun to plan trips to see family and friends, they have also shared how Canada will, for most of them, remain home.

(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...

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To: MinorityRepublican

2 posted on 12/15/2024 2:30:20 PM PST by ProtectOurFreedom (There are two ways to live your life: nothing is a miracle or everything is a miracle - A. Einstein)

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