A whole lot of Syrian Canadians gathered outdoors Calgary metropolis corridor on Sunday, cheering, dancing, singing and praying for a free Syria.
After practically 14 years of civil battle and greater than 50 years of rule by the Assad household, the Syrian authorities led by Bashar al-Assad collapsed over the weekend.
Many Syrians in Calgary, like Sam Nammoura, say they cannot consider it.
“I by no means felt free till yesterday,” Nammoura exclaimed. “The very first thing that at all times involves thoughts is, can we are saying this? Can we are saying that? You must watch what you say right here … since you’re at all times apprehensive that any individual at residence goes to get damage.”
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Others like Fatima Alokda and her father are filled with pleasure.
“As we speak is a superb day for Syrians,” Alokda stated. “The dictator has formally fallen after fourteen years.”
Many who’ve come to Alberta over the previous decade say that whereas Canada is now their residence, they hope to go to family and friends in Syria as soon as it’s secure to take action.
“Proper now we will not as a result of there are nonetheless… there are nonetheless some issues that should be labored out,” Alokda defined. “However we’re positively planning to go to once more, to see our household.”
Throughout their time residing in Canada, in addition to wanting ahead to the longer term, they’re grateful for his or her kindness.
“We’ll always remember what Canada has carried out for us,” Alokda stated. “Canada means lots to us.”
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