'Time of fear is behind us': Syrian-Maritimer reacts to the fall of the Syrian government

Some Syrian-Canadians are greeting the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

Syrian-Canadians are greeting the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

After years of war and oppression, the regime’s collapse marks a turning point in Syria’s history. For many who fled the violence, it’s a moment they never thought they would witness.

“It is a dream come true for many Syrians, including me and my family, just to see our country free again,” said Tareq Hadhad, who arrived to Halifax with his family eight years ago.

Hadhad and his family left Syria after their home and chocolate factory in Damascus were bombed during the civil war. The family then lived in Lebanon as refugees before moving to Nova Scotia. Hadhad and his family founded Peace by Chocolate, a company with a nationwide presence.

“Two-thirds of my life has been spent in that world, in Syria and Lebanon, as a refugee and I know how many people sacrificed to reach this moment,” said Hadhad.

On Saturday, the al-Assad regime collapsed after 13 years of civil war, as rebel fighters advanced into the capital city of Damascus.

“Former Al-Qaeda affiliate has basically come in and ousted him from power and now he’s seeking refuge in Russia,” said Robert Huish, associate professor of international development studies at Dalhousie University.