14 Syrian refugees arrive to applause, singing in Saskatoon

Despite arriving fatigued and uncertain abouta return home, 14 newrefugees from Syria stepped intoJohn G. Diefenbaker International Airport in Saskatoon late Saturday night, thankful for the support, gifts, applause and songs from the strangers awaiting their arrival.

Among the 14 were mothers, fathers, infants and young children, all of whom smiled, and hugged and kissed the waiting supporters as theymet for the first time.

Rashid Ahmed was one such supporter waiting for the newcomers to emerge. He and about 60 other people formed a dense semi-circle around the arrival doors where the exhausted travellers would emerge from.

Along with his friend and his mom, Ahmedsang an Arabic song welcoming the Syrians.

"It's actually the song when our prophet Muhammad moved to Medina [from Mecca], the people welcomed him with the same song," said Ahmed's friend, HibatullahHibatullah."It's basically about welcoming people."

Syrian refugees arrive in Saskatoon

9 years ago

Duration 0:29

Fourteen refugees from Syria arrived in Saskatoon on Dec. 19.

For Ahmed, a refugee from Pakistan, it's deeply personal. He and his mother were granted refugee status in Canada after they were persecuted in Pakistan because they are Ahmadiyya Muslims.

"We know their hardship and their feeling," Ahmedsaid, through his tears."I know the feeling of refugeesbecause my family was persecuted, and they are in a dangerous situation right now too."

Ahmed's mother made a point of hugging and kissing the women in the group of newcomers. She arrived in Canada only eight months ago.

There were several politicians who awaited the refugees' arrival, includingSaskatoon MLA Don Morgan.Morgan said he doesn't know the exact date, but expects more refugees to arrive within the next few days.

Next steps and settlement

Workers and representatives from community agencies who will be helping the families settle in were also there to greet the newcomers at the airport.

ZainabAl-Musawiwas one of them. She's a settlement counsellorwith Saskatoon Open Door Society.

"We are a team named RAP, we work with the RAPprogram. Today we are very excited to have this group from Syria," she said while stepping away from prepping everyone for their first step out of the airport and into a prairie winter.

Al-Musawi said the first task is takingall 14 newcomers to temporary residences, where there aregroceries and bedding ready and waiting.

Syrian refugees prepare to step into Saskatoon winter

9 years ago

Duration 0:20

Newly arrived refugees from Syria ready themselves to step out into Saskatoon's winter.

Sundaypromises to be a long day,Al-Musawi noted, filled with document signing, meeting officials from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and opening bank accounts.

Longer term goals include helpingnewcomers find permanent residences, registering their kids in school, and registering for social insurance numbers.

Al-Musawi said thatbased on her first conversations with the group, they seem very happy with the welcoming at the airport, despite their fatigue.

"They saw the weather, it's very different here. But they said, 'With this warm welcoming, it doesn't matter. We are very happy.'"