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

BasselSayegh,one of a dozenSyrian refugeessponsored to come to Canada through theCatholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, says he can't wait to start his new life in Edmonton, but feels guilty for leaving his family behind.

"I'm happy and everything is good, but I want to share this happiness and this kindness with my family. I feel guilty I'm here and I'm warmed (by)somanypeople and so many things."

He hopes one day to bring to Canadahis family, who live inAleppo, Syria, onceone of the most ancient and cultured cities in the world, butnow a war zone.

"They have nothing; no electricity. It's difficult. I think about them everyday."

Sayeghjoins the Dalaa family in Edmonton. They arrived on Christmas Eve on their fourth attempt to come to Canada.

On three occasionsimmigration officials in Beirut turned them back.

"They are doing great," said Father Glenn McDonald, atSt. Joseph's College. "We got a place for them here in Edmonton, and we are getting themacclimatisedtothe weather, to using the bus system. We're getting them language courses."

McDonald said Catholic parishes alongwith the archdiocese and Catholic Social Serviceswere galvanized bythephoto ofthree-year-old Alan Kurdion a beach in Turkey.

"All of a sudden interest just exploded," he said. "People said, 'Yes we want to do this.' People were throwing money at us.

"They said, 'Here's our money. Sponsor families'."

Sayegh, who speaks English andhas a university degree, is looking forward to getting a graduate degree and a job.

But though he's starting a new life, his thoughts are with his familyback home and a friend lost to a sniper's bullet.

"I can't imagine if I see anyone else dying, especially if I know him very much, like my family. I'm very worried about my family."