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Welcome to Canada: A Refugee's Story

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"I think that facing death changes people. Which is what happened with me." Mohammed Alsaleh was a young medical student in Syria, dreaming of one day treating patients with cancer. Under the Assad regime he was arrested three times, held in 5 different detention centers, and brutally tortured for 120 days before being released. In 2014 he was granted asylum in Canada where he began to rebuild his life. Now, the former medical student counsels newly-arrived Syrian refugee families with the same Vancouver-based NGO that helped his own resettlement. Like him, these families have left beloved ones behind and struggle with the pain and uncertainty of separation even as they try to rebuild their lives. Mohammed lives in hope that his family will one day be reunited in Canada. This short film captures not just his story, but through it, the story of thousands of displaced Syrians whose strength and humanity in the face of unspeakable horrors, has moved hearts all over the world.
Be The Change
1
Over 39,600 Syrian refugees have been welcomed to Canada. Learn more about their stories and the programs available to them.
2
Global Citizen offers this list of 15 ways you can help Syrian Refugees NOW.
3
Make time to connect with someone who comes from a different background and culture than you do. Listen to their story and reflect on how it touches yours.
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Reflections (25)

Gowtham
Its great to see Canada in full support of Refugees. Hope Mohammed gets united with his family at the earliest.
Karen Lynch
The courage of this young man, and his heartfelt determination to help other refugees begin their new lives here in Canada is inspirational. May he and his family soon be reunited here. May there soon be peace and security in Syria so that rebuilding can happen and all may live in safety there once more. May we in Canada continue to welcome and support all who come to our shores seeking refuge.
Paul Hock
You are doing wonderful work and we will look into ways that we can help and act.
Jody Blackwell
Mohammed, Blessings on you, your family and fellow Syrians. We are grieving with you for your country and for the loss of the life you would have chosen, but so grateful and inspired that you are doing such important work to help other Syrian refugee families. May you be safely reunited with your family in Canada soon, and may the Syrian people one day rebuild in peace, healing and hope. Thank you to everybody who worked on this amazing film.
Kristin Pedemonti
Thank you for your courage and heart and tenacity to keep going. I am hopeful my country will better understand the sacrifices refugees make and the need to open borders and build bridges not walls. Hugs from my heart to yours, kristin
FRAN
What inspired me is the heartbreaking honesty, the incredible determination and profound sense of service offered as gift and response to the acceptance and hospitality received—and the freedom Mohammed is now enjoying. I would hope all free nations would offer asylum and know the reward of being human and humane to others.
Raju
A heart breaking and touching story of a very courageous young man, and his passion for reaching out to the refugees and providing all the help they need in their resettlement in a place so far away from their own country. It is really great that CANADA is showing the true spirit of fellowship and love for all by welcoming the Syrian refugees, who are just looking for some security and peace in their lives. I wish more countries follow the path taken by Canada in ameliorating the sufferings of such people.
Paula Santos
Touching, inspiring, peaceful in such a troubled situation. And there is still hope.
May the Syrian people find peace, safety and freedom soon.
Lynda
To all of you, SALUTE! Salute for this tender video that has opened me more than anything else has about the Syrian people. SALUTE to Canada for opening your doors to as many as you have. SALUTE to the good work Mohammed is doing to bridge the gap for refugees. Thank you for bringing home the human side of this crisis.
RZ
If there has anything I can help, please contact me.
Sherry
What a beautiful heart you have, Mohammed. I hope your family will join you soon.
Lora Krall
Mohammed, you may not have MD after your name but you are a doctor in every sense of the word. The best are always the ones who know the suffering of others. I know you will be with your family soon. Many blessings...

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