The Kenora Refugee Support Partnership 2 (KRSP2) had to say goodbye to two Syrian refugees after their year-long sponsorship expired.
Ali Alkrad and Nariman Alhalili came to Kenora from Turkey in September of 2020, after fleeing war-torn Syria.
Ren Amell Treasurer of the KRSP2 said that it was hard to see them leave after just starting to get to know them.
“They were really nice people and so we were extremely sad to see them go. I think, with the loosening of the COVID restrictions we were starting to get a chance to know them quite a bit better and they were just a lovely young couple,” said Amell.
“I think they really appreciated their time in Kenora. It was obviously really difficult because of COVID, and so their ability to have social interactions with extremely limited,” added Amell.
They had a very interesting journey to get to Kenora as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their trip to Canada by six months. Once they arrived in Kenora they had to isolate for two weeks, and eventually found permanent housing thanks to Ali’s sister.
Their time spent in Canada for the two was primarily spent learning English over Zoom and in-person thanks to volunteers. When restrictions slowly lifted the two were able to venture out in the community more and were able to take part in more social interactions with community members.
Amell added the major reason for their departure was the couple wanted to be part of a larger Islamic community.
“We knew when we brought them here that Kenora doesn't hold much for a young Islamic couple. It wasn't a surprise for them to want to move someplace where there would be a larger Islamic community and some more opportunities for their development,” concluded Amell
The couple recently moved to Medicine Hat, AB, where Alkrad has an uncle. They have recently found permanent housing in a 2-bedroom apartment that is near a college, where they can continue their language study.
The KRSP2 also wants to express deep appreciation for the wonderful community support for all our efforts. The KRSP2 was responsible for all of Ali and Nariman’s support for their first year in Canada. From fundraising prior to Ali and Nariman’s arrival, through finding lodging, medical and dental care, and employment to providing ongoing English language training and the occasional outing, the community came through to meet all their needs.