Halifax Syrian refugees celebrate and thank Nova Scotians

Hundreds filled a community centre in Halifax Saturday in celebration of the efforts to settle Syrian refugees.

MohammedHarb, a father of seven children, said he felt moved to organize the event to thankCanadians who've helped Syrians make their homes in Halifax.

"This is nothing for them because only we just say thank you for them," Harb said through a friend who translated.

"They open their arms for them, for us."

Crisis continues

More than 1,000 Syrianssettled in Nova Scotia as refugeesas of mid-March, the provincial government says.

Syria's five-year-longcrisis continues to displace civiliansas a UN special envoy tries to negotiate a transitional period, reportssaidSaturday.

Most recently,Islamic Statehas captured more than a dozen villages in northern Syria and around 30,000 displaced people fled shelters near the Turkish border.

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Familiescontinue to arrive in Nova Scotia. Even those who moved to Halifax in recent weeksattended Saturday's event at the St. Andrew's Community Centre,saidDonna Sutton of theBayersWestwoodFamily Resource Centre.

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'Passion and dreams'

Suttonsaid she wastouched when Harbapproached the centre to organize the event.

"Thank youMohammedfor his passion and dreams," she told the crowd.

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'Thank you for your generosity'

Children lined the gymnasium stage clutching posters that read, "Thank you for your generosity," and "We are really pleased to be here."

They gathered on stage as anti-violenceactivist and musician QuentrelProvo led the crowd to sing O Canada.

'Halifax is better off'

Dignitaries including Member of Parliament AndyFillmoreand Halifax Mayor Mike Savage sat in the front row.

"I believe Halifax is better off because you're here,"Savage told the crowd.

Young men performed a traditional Syrian dance, soon joined bychildren hopping on the stage. Kids of all ages some wearing face painttwirledto the music.

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'A better life'

AishaAhmed said she feels better to be in Canada, to stay in one place and have a chance to seek medical help. Her son, Ahmed Moummed, is waiting to see a specialist doctor.

"She wants him to get a better life," Ahmed's friend said, translating for her.

Ahmedsaid she's looking forward to taking English classes. She and her husband are on a waiting list, she said.

'It's truly amazing'

Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Lena Diab said she's happy to see such a response to the province's humanitarian effort and the many volunteers who have helped out.

"It's amazing to feel that you can help people no matter where they are and it's wonderful,"said Diab.

"They are all so gratefulto be here and be able to give back as Canadians to this wonderful,wonderful country and it's truly amazing."