Amani Shamseddin, a Syrian refugee living in Canada, reflects on her family’s journey to safety nearly a decade after fleeing their war-torn country. Sitting in her Edmonton home, Shamseddin recalls the fear-filled days in Damascus during the Syrian civil war when airstrikes were a constant threat and daily survival was uncertain. In 2015, following the Canadian government’s initiative to resettle Syrian refugees, Shamseddin, her husband, and their two children sought asylum in Canada, eventually making Edmonton their new home.
Since arriving, the family has faced challenges, including adapting to a new culture and climate and the high cost of living. Despite these hurdles, they have built a life in Canada, celebrating milestones such as achieving Canadian citizenship. Shamseddin emphasizes the safety and opportunities Canada offers, a stark contrast to the life they left behind in Syria, where President Bashar Assad’s regime recently ended.
The family’s journey reflects resilience and hope for a better future. Shamseddin, now working as a teacher’s assistant, encourages her children to learn from their past and strive for their dreams, assuring them that their challenges are surmountable and urging them to serve as exemplary members of society. As they continue to navigate life in Canada, the family remains grateful for the chance at a new beginning and the community that surrounds them.
