PRINCE GEORGE – In January 2016, the Tohme family fled wartime in their home country of Syria.
“Syria is a land of history, of civilization, but unfortunately it’s a land of wars,” says Rose Tohme. “And but you know what? Despite all the wars, all the challenges that Syria passed through, the Syrian people are very resilient.”
After nearly a decade later, this is the scene in Syria today.
“Syria has been born again. A new Syria. We have now a new Syria. And many people, many Syrian people were looking forward for a change, a good change.”
She says many of her family and friends in Syria are feeling – like her – a sense of shock at the rapid change of events over the course of less than a week.
“We have families there. We have friends and many beloved ones, and we think of them. And it is the same feeling that we have here. The joy, the fear, the shock and the hope.”
But there is still apprehension.
“I can say that we have the fear of the change, the fear of the unknown and the fear of the future.”
But since arriving in Prince George on that bitterly cold January morning, all those years ago, Canada has become home.
“You know what? Syria has a big part in us because it’s our country, you know. But Canada also has a big part in us because it’s our country. You know? Now, I don’t think we can go back.”
With that, Rose says she and her family offer a wish for hope and peace for the people of Syria and all during this holiday season.
