Syrian refugees embrace new lives in Ottawa, fear for those left behind

Ahmed Elfecirfled Syria with his wife, mother and fourchildrenmore than three years ago. The family made the hard decision to leave their home when the brutal, ongoing civil war became too much.

"My family was tired, tired, tired," said Elfecir.

In their hometown of Homs, the 55-year-oldworked as a civil servant, cultivatinga honey business on the side. Elfecir'swife, DolatElellus, 43, taught Arabic.

"Every day ... many families [were] killed," she said. "We [left] Syria for our children. They become afraid [of] everything and there's no good food, no fruit, no vegetables.... Life [was] very hard."

The entire household, includingElfecir's85-year-old mother Maryam, moved toa refugee camp in Turkey where they lived until they were accepted into Canada in April. Today, along with 90 other Syrian refugee families, they call Ottawa's Donald Street home.

"We choose Canada because we heard it's very safe for people," saidElellus. "Wecome here for [our children]. They need [a] safe life."

SinceNovember2015, more than 35,000Syrian refugees have arrived in thiscountry, with 2,000 settling in the capital. About 400 of the refugees live in two highrisesat 1240 and 1244 Donald St. The couple, their sons Yahya,Omer,Mustafa and Murhaf, and Elfecir's mother shareathree-bedroom apartment.

English coming quickly for kids

While the boys, agesfour to 12, are in school during the day, their parentsattend English classes. They're both eager to improve their language skills so they canfind work, but it's been a challenge.

"We need a lot of time," said Elellus, who noted herkids are pickingup English much more quickly than she or her husband.

"We find some problem with the language, but for my children their life is very good here. They are happy playing, feeling safe and go[ing]to school every day. They feel happy."

Their eldest son Murhaf, 12, is in Grade 7 atHenryMunroMiddle School. "I like school," he said."I think Canada [is]very nice and very good."

Likethisfamily, many of the Syrians living in the Donald Street buildingsare government-assisted refugees.Federal sponsorship ends in December for those who arrived in thefirst wave, which meansif they still haven't found work, they will needtoturn to the province'ssocial assistance program,OntarioWorks.

Staying connected to Syria difficult

Staying connected tofamily in Syria has proven difficult for many Syrian refugees in Canada. Ellelussaid there are fewfunctioning utilitiesin many parts of the war-torn country, making communication a challenge.

"[There is] no food, no water, no electricity," she said.

The WhatsApp messenger application has helped a lot of refugee families stay connected with those left behind. Though it sometimes takes days for messages toget through, Ellelus said the free app has allowed her to stay in touch with those who have been unable to flee.

"I miss my home and I miss my brotherand my sisters very much," she said."Their life is very hard. I am afraid for them."

Although Elellus and her husband continue to monitor the developments in Syria, they say they are grateful tonow call Canada home.

"We thank [the] Canadian government. [They] give us everything. And [we] thank the Canadian people," said Elfecir.