The Syrian community in Montreal is coming together to show solidarity with people back home after a devastating earthquake that took more than 19,000 lives and injured some thousands more.
They are asking for vital aid for Syria and according to them, any life-saving support is limited due to the blockade and sanctions.
“Now we are asking all the nations and the governments around the world to have mercy on the people of Syria and to lift the sanctions at least temporarily to be able to enter all humanitarian aid which is urgent, this is an urgent crisis there is no time to wait,” plead Fadia Nassr, a Syrian who participated in the vigil.
“I hope that everything is gonna settle down and that our voice reaches the government there or the people there or anyone can help or do something and from our side, we are trying to do everything we can,” said Carla Tahhan, a Syrian who participated in the vigil.
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Hundreds of Syrian-Canadians gathered in front of the former Syrian consulate in Montreal, demanding urgent support for Syria, they lit candles and prayed for the victims and their families and for those who are still stuck under the rubble.
For some it was painful to talk about what they described as a repeated tragedy in their homeland – with the war that started in 2011 – it has been difficult for their people.
“The sorrow and the pain in everything we see can’t be described or expressed in a word we are Syrians, please forget everything, just be human we are humans just think of those who are there in Syria suffering from the lack of everything,” said Ola Lutfi Zaraneh, a Syrian who participated in the vigil.
Others stressed on the importance of donations to trustworthy organizations to help Syrian families.
“My heart is really with you guys, as much as we try to do things here, we are not going to feel the amount of pain that they are feeling right now, we are trying to do our best, to send money to trustworthy people and fund trustworthy organizations who are actually gonna give people food and milk for babies and not taking the money or steal it,” said Layla Beylouneh, a Syrian who participated in the vigil.
