Syrian smiles: Former newcomer gives back to the community that welcomed her

Syrian refugee Reham Abazid arrived in Saint John with her husband, son and baby daughter with little knowledge of what to expect. They were displaces after their home was bombed and had a long journey which consisted of three years in Amman, Jordan before landing in Canada.

“The big step for me was language, because when I arrived I didn’t speak any english,” said Abazid

Abazid now lives in the Crescent Valley neighbourhood, an area that is home to many newcomers and is often referred to as Syria Town.

Since her arrival, Abazid does what she can to give back to the community that helped house her. Noticing the poverty in the city, Abazid prepared a dinner for the city’s homeless alongside other Syrians. She has also helped found a Syrian food market in Crescent Valley where residents can get a taste of Syria.

“If you welcome anyone in this life, if you give him a smile, he will give you a smile plus a positive thing, and that’s what’s happened,” said Abazid.

Though the YMCA of Greater Saint John Abazid learned English and is now working as a translator.

The war in Syria

The war started in March of 2011 after protests against Bashar al-Assad’s government turned bloody. It has become multi-sided with many groups fighting for power.

About 560,000 deaths have been reported as of December, 2018 and has created 5.6 million refugees as of March, 2019.

Abazid is now working on a play about the Syrian war alongside Canadians and Syrians to bring a better understanding.