Syrians living in Alberta expect a free Syria

Hundreds of Syrian Canadians gathered outside Calgary City Hall on Sunday, cheering, dancing, singing and praying for a free Syria.

After nearly 14 years of civil war and more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family, the Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad collapsed over the weekend.

Many Syrians in Calgary like Sam Namura say they can't believe it.

“I never felt free until yesterday,” Namura exclaimed. “The first thing that always comes to mind is, can we say this? Can we say that? Do you have to be careful what you say here… because you're always worried that someone at home is going to get hurt.

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Others like Fatima Alokda and her father are filled with joy.

“Today is a big day for Syrians,” Alokda said. “The dictator has officially stepped down after fourteen years.”

Many who have come to Alberta in the past decade say that while Canada is now their home, they hope to visit friends and family back in Syria once it is safe to do so.

“We can't right now because there are still… there are still some things that need to be fixed,” Alokda explained. “But we definitely plan to come back to visit to see our family.”

Throughout their lives in Canada, in addition to hope for the future, they are also grateful for goodness.

“We will never forget what Canada has done for us,” Alokda said. “Canada means a lot to us.”

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