Syrians in Nova Scotia optimistic after fall of Assad regime

Tareq Hadhad spent a sleepless night with his family in Antigonish, N.S., watching events unfold in Syria over the weekend that culminated in the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Hadhad and his family fled Syria in 2012.

"We have been dreaming about this for over 14 years," Hadhad said. "Many people have sacrificed everything they have just to see this … moment. so there were certainly moments of joy, moments of pride, moments of hope for the future."

Hahdad and his family left Syria after their home and chocolate factory in Damascus were bombed during the civil war. 

They settled in Antigonish in 2016. They founded Peace by Chocolate, a company that sells its products across the country. 

Reflecting on life under the Assad regime, Hadhad called it a "police state" characterized by kidnappings, arrests and corruption.

Hadhad said the Assad regime controlled every aspect of Syrian life, from school report cards adorned with photos of the president to constant surveillance.

"We lived in constant fear," he said, recounting personal losses, including the death of a cousin who was shot in front of his family. He had a brother-in-law kidnapped in the middle of the night. His fate is unknown.

Hadhad said he spoke to officials in Syria overnight. While some expressed congratulations over the regime's collapse, others voiced concerns about the country's uncertain future.

He, too, has concerns. He described the years of conflict as devastating with over 500,000 people killed, a million imprisoned or kidnapped, and millions displaced.

"What could be worse than making seven million people displaced inside the country, on the borders, in tents, living and dying?" he said.

"The previous regime reached the absolute rock bottom that any government, any regime, any dictatorship even, has reached in history."

Omar Antebi, another Syrian refugee living in Canada, also shared his thoughts.

Originally from Aleppo, Antebi now runs Syrian Diary, a tour company in Halifax.