Key Takeaways:
- Many Syrian-Canadians are considering returning to their home country after the collapse of the Assad regime, but face challenges such as finding jobs, rebuilding homes, and ensuring safety.
- The decision to return is complicated by factors such as family ties, economic opportunities, and personal safety, with women and religious minorities facing unique concerns.
- Despite the challenges, some Syrian-Canadians are optimistic about the country’s future and the opportunity to contribute to its rebuilding.
- The experience of displacement and resettlement has shaped the identities and sense of belonging of Syrian-Canadians, with some feeling a strong connection to their home country and others feeling more at home in Canada.
Introduction to the Syrian-Canadian Experience
The city of Homs, Syria, is a place of mixed emotions for Mahmoud Hannof, a Syrian-Canadian who returned to his hometown after 13 years. As he walked through the rubble-strewn streets, he was reminded of the life he left behind and the family he lost. His father was shot dead in 2011, during the early days of the Syrian revolution, forcing Hannof to flee with his mother and younger brothers. They spent two and a half years in refugee camps in Syria and Jordan before arriving in Canada on New Year’s Eve in 2015. Hannof, who now goes by Mike, has built a new life in London, Ontario, but the collapse of the Assad regime has sparked a sense of uncertainty about his future and whether he should return to his home country.
The Decision to Return
For many Syrian-Canadians like Hannof, the decision to return to Syria is a complex one. While some are eager to rebuild their lives and contribute to the country’s recovery, others are hesitant due to concerns about safety, economic opportunities, and personal freedom. Ahmad Khanji, a Syrian-Canadian who arrived in Canada in 2016, is torn between his love for his home country and the life he has built in Toronto. "I love the way of life in Canada, but all my memories and key pillars that shaped who I am were made and manufactured in Syria," he said. Khanji has spent the last year splitting his time between Damascus and Toronto, trying to lay the foundation for a new life in Syria, but the lack of job opportunities is a major obstacle.
Challenges Facing Returnees
The challenges facing Syrian-Canadians who want to return to their home country are numerous. Many have spent years building new lives in Canada, and the thought of leaving behind their families, friends, and careers is daunting. Additionally, the country’s infrastructure and economy are still in shambles, making it difficult to find jobs, housing, and basic services. Celine Kasem, a Syrian-Canadian activist who recently moved back to Damascus, believes that the country needs the skills and expertise of its diaspora community to rebuild. "The country is not going to be rebuilt without our tools, our education, our experience, and our energy," she said. However, even for those who are eager to return, the lack of confidence in the country’s stability and security is a major concern.
The Role of Women and Religious Minorities
The decision to return to Syria is particularly complicated for women and religious minorities. Amer Maamari, a Syrian-Canadian who arrived in Canada in 2015, estimates that 80% of men in his community are interested in returning to Syria, but only 20% of women. "Here in Canada, women have the freedom to choose," he said. "A Muslim woman can wear the hijab, the free woman, she can be free." However, since Ahmed al-Sharaa took power in Syria, the country’s political order has shifted decisively toward Sunni Islamist factions, raising concerns among religious minorities about their place in the country’s future. Kasem, a Sunni Muslim, says that she feels safe as a woman in Syria, but acknowledges that the country still has a long way to go in terms of promoting equality and inclusivity.
The Search for Belonging
The experience of displacement and resettlement has shaped the identities and sense of belonging of Syrian-Canadians. For some, like Hannof, the connection to their home country remains strong, despite the years spent away. "I was born here, so it’s where I belong, even if I have my Canadian citizenship," he said. For others, like Tambi Kasem, the father of Celine Kasem, the sense of belonging is more complex. "Here in Canada, we are just a number; there is too much competition. No one knows me, and no one wants to know me," he said. However, the collapse of the Assad regime has sparked a sense of hope and possibility among Syrian-Canadians, and many are now considering the possibility of returning to their home country to rebuild and start anew.
Conclusion
The story of Syrian-Canadians like Hannof, Khanji, and Kasem is one of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As they navigate the complexities of returning to their home country, they are driven by a desire to rebuild and contribute to the country’s recovery. While the challenges are significant, the potential rewards are great, and many are hopeful that they can play a role in shaping a brighter future for Syria. As Hannof said, "I believe everyone will say the same thing about their own country. Even if I had one or 10 citizenships, I’d still go back here."