Syrian refugee in Edmonton watching Aleppo crisis from afar

When Aref Sayeghwas studying in his home city of Aleppo a few years ago, he understood whythe city was described as "the jewel of Syria."

"Before the war, it was like, so lovely," he told the CBC's Radio Active. "You can see the people happy almost all the time."

Sayegh now lives in Edmonton, after fleeing the war through Lebanon, but he watchesthe news from Aleppo closely as he still has friends and relatives there.

• Evacuation of eastern Aleppo underway
• Aleppo residents show devastation, say goodbye on social media
• FEATURE:Aleppo:City under siege

Sayegh works at the University of Alberta as a researcher where he is bringing his first-hand experience to study how Canada can improve theprocess ofbringing in Syrian refugees.

His lifein Aleppo was great until 2011when the violencebegan, he said.

"It started in the university, where some people did some violence."

He and his family eventually relocated to the neighbouring Lebanon, but he still has many friends and other family members that live in the city.

The situation in Aleppo has escalated as the Syrian government makesa push to oust the rebels in the eastern part of the city.

Government forces are clearing some wounded and sick people out of Aleppo, though it's unclear how many are being moved out.

"It's good news to hear that that they had a deal to evacuate the people," Sayegh said.

But the push also means more bloodshed something Sayegh struggles with, being a continent away.

'We cannot do anything'

Sayegh said seeing the daily reports of people dying hurt because he is unable to help.

"Each day you hear bad news, like someone died," he said. "It's hard for us to hear this news because we are away, we cannot do anything."

• Syrian refugees look forward to new life, but struggle with guilt

But Sayegh said he's grateful to be in Canada and for the support he and other Syrian refugees have been given.

"The people here already did something great by bringing hundreds of families here," he said.

When asked what more can be done, he said businesses providing support and jobs, as well as universities offering scholarships can make a difference for some Syrians.

"The situation isn't getting better," he said. "Lots of people want to get out and get here."

As for his family, his twin brother is also in Edmonton and a secondbrother just arrived herethree days ago.

Sayegh is hoping to bring his parents over from Lebanon by the end of theyear. He said if everything goes as planned, his family will all be in the same city for the first time in two years.

"It's a blessing for us," he said. "Now we will be under one roof in the same house."