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РусскийSyrian refugees who left ‘everything’ behind get help from Montreal non-profit
Elizabeth Kapshanian, centre, and her family left “everything” behind to escape war-torn Syria.
Elizabeth Kapshanian left “everything” behind to escape war-torn Syria.
Life in Aleppo became unbearable for the former English teacher after her husband was kidnapped by terrorists on a road trip to Turkey.
Kapshanian said her husband’s captors called her and demanded a ransom.
The Montreal-based non-profit organization Hay Doun has sponsored over 600 refugees from Syria.
“If you don’t pay, we will send the head of your husband,” said Kapshanian, recalling her conversation with the terrorists.
Her husband was released 23 days later, after the family was forced to pay the ransom.
The family has since been able to escape the country and has taken up refuge in Montreal thanks to the non-profit Hay Doun.
The organization has sponsored more Syrian refugees than any other group in Canada. In total, the group has welcomed more than 600 people from the country.
Hay Doun helped Kapshanian fill out the necessary paper work and 10 months later they had landed at the Montreal airport.
“I was very scared. (My daughter) was very upset. I didn’t know anyone (and I) didn’t know what I would do,” said Kapshanian.
But the organization made sure they were supported as they tried to settle into their new lives in a new country.
Hay Doun also helped find them an apartment. And Kapshanian is feeling optimistic about her family’s future.
“Canada is a very beautiful place, and we haven’t faced a winter, but I am very hopeful,” said Kapshanian.
So is her daughter, who hopes to continue her university education in Canada.
“I am loving my life now,” said Kapshanian’s daughter.
“I want to continue my studies in economics. I want to be a businesswoman, that is my dream,” she added.
The organization relies heavily on volunteers to run operations, many of whom also found sanctuary in Canada.
“Forty years ago I was in the same place because I was born in Lebanon,” said Nayiri Tavlian, president of Hay Doun.
“And because of the war, we had to come here as refugees.”
After they’ve navigated through all the paperwork and made the difficult journey to Canada, refugees are also faced with the daunting task of finding a job.
But many employers call Hay Doun offering to help.
Avo Koushkerian was one of the lucky ones. He was hired after he walked into a café on his second day in Canada.
After 10 months in the country, he is determined to continue building a better life.
“I never give up,” said Koushkerian.
Hay Doun continues to sponsor Syrian refugees, however it says recently it has taken longer to cut through the red tape needed to bring them to Canada.
With a report from CTV News’ Genevieve Beauchemin
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