First group of Syrian refugees arrive in Calgary to emotional reception
Posted Nov 23, 2015 4:45 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s been a long journey for families seeking refuge from violence in Syria.
The 16 refugees, who arrived in Calgary Monday afternoon, first sought asylum in Lebanon while families here in the city worked with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society to get them to Canada.
There were tears, hugs, toys and plenty of winter clothes waiting for the families in the departures area of the Calgary International Airport.
David Mihkayan, who arrived via a flight from Frankfurt, expressed his gratitude after meeting relatives that live here in Calgary.
“So excited,” he told the throng of reporters. “Thank you guys. Thank you very much.”
It’s been decades since Mihkayan’s family has been reunited.
Terez Khazaka also waited for her parents, her brother and his family, which she hasn’t seen for more than five years.
“It means a lot because we used to go every couple of years to see them but because of the war, we couldn’t,” Khazaka said. “It was very emotional not seeing them and know that they are in danger. So, it makes it even worse for us. It’s a day I have been waiting (for) more than a year-and-a-half to happen.”
The Immigration Society said it has about 350 more refugees on a waiting list, who are trying to make their way to Canada.
