From Syria to Gander: New arrivals 'feel very welcome,' settling in to new home
Son killed in war, injured daughter left behind, but family grateful for Newfoundland comforts
A Syrian family settling into Gander is touched by the warm reception they've received after fleeing civil war and strife in their homeland.
Father Samer Maymouna, mother Iman El-Halawany, 13-year-old daughter Wiaam Maymouna and five-year-old son Abed El-Rahman have been in Gander just a few days but, speaking through interpreter Vicky Habib, said they already feel like part of the community.
It was a very overwhelming feeling.- Wiaam Maymouna
El-Halawany said that despite having just arrived, she already feels like she's known everyone a very long time.
"I feel very welcome," she said.
El-Halawany said in Syria, the family was sharing a house with seven other families, and are much more comfortable in Gander.
"Everything is beautiful," she said.
Daughter Wiaam Maymouna said she wasn't expecting the warm welcome they received.
"It was a very overwhelming feeling," she said.
The family didn't know much about Gander or Newfoundland, said Samer Maymouna, but have learned a lot since their arrival.
"We learned it's an island, with a lot of snow," he said.
That snow will provide a new experience for the family in winter, something he's never experienced and prompting an activity he's never done before.
"I'm expecting to be shovelling … I'm ready."
Two children left behind
But not all of the family members were able to make the trip to Newfoundland.
Another son was killed in the war, while another daughter was shot in the head and taken to Lebanon for medical treatment.
She's recovering there with her one-month-old son, and the family is hoping to eventually be reunited in Gander.
However, El-Halawany said she's grateful for the better opportunities available for their children in Canada.
"They never had the opportunity to be educated the way they will in Gander," she said.
With files from Brian Mosher