She saved 43 of her relatives from Syria 10 years ago. They’ve thrived in Canada. Why other refugees may not be so lucky. As a young boy, Jay Ahgeer’s first impression of Canada was the unusual sleeping arrangements – under a dining room table, sharing a mattress with his younger siblings. With over 40 relatives in the house, all refugees like himself, space was a premium. Now 19, Ahgeer recalls the warmth of those early days, describing it as feeling like Christmas – every single day.
The Struggle of Resettlement
Having escaped the horrors of the Syrian civil war, Ahgeer and his family found themselves in Scarborough, Canada, navigating the challenges of a new language and culture. While the memories of explosions and fear from Syria were frightening, the love and support they experienced in their aunt’s home in Canada helped them to settle and eventually thrive.
Their aunt, Christine Youssef, and her mother sponsored all 43 family members, remortgaging their house and maxing out their credit cards in the process. The family lived together in her two-storey house, filling every available space with mattresses at night.
Canada’s Changing Attitude Towards Immigrants
Despite the success of Ahgeer and his relatives, public opinion in Canada towards immigrants has hardened over the years. Governments throughout the western world, including Canada, have been reducing the programs that once supported refugees like Ahgeer. This, combined with worsening economic conditions, has led to souring attitudes towards immigrants, potentially threatening Canada’s reputation as a leader in refugee resettlement.
The Syrian Crisis and Canada’s Response
Ahgeer’s family fled Damascus in 2014, during the height of what was then described as the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. The city was a dangerous place, both before and during the war, and the family decided to leave Syria after one of their relatives was injured by debris from an explosion.
The Impact of Alan Kurdi’s Tragic Death
The tragic death of three-year-old Alan Kurdi in 2015, who drowned while attempting to flee Syria with his family, was a turning point in Canada’s approach to Syrian refugees. The harrowing image of his lifeless body washed ashore sparked an outpouring of public support for Syrian resettlement in Canada, prompting then-prime minister Stephen Harper to increase aid to Syrians.
Eroding Support for Refugees
However, support for refugees seems to be eroding in recent times. For example, the U.S. suspended its refugee admission program, increased deportations, and cancelled its private refugee sponsorship program. According to Stephanie Goertz, founder of Ontario non-profit Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, many Ukrainian newcomers in Canada feel they lack the necessary support to establish a life in Canada and have consequently made the difficult decision to return to the war zone they once fled.
