British Columbia·Our Vancouver

Refugees in B.C.: Habib Alibrahim explains why people have to leave

'Syria is no place for anything at the moment,' said new Syrian immigrant.

'They are normal people, trying to have a better life somewhere else.'

Speaking in support of Syrian refugees

9 years ago
Duration 4:48
Immigrant Habib Alibrahim describes the terror refugees are fleeing

"Syria is no place for anything at the moment."

That's according to Habib Alibrahim, who has been living with his Canadian wife in Vancouver since he left Syria last winter.

As some residents and politicians across Canada express doubts about the government's plans to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees, Alibrahim urges people to learn more about the nation and the ongoing conflict there.

"Syrians are the most vulnerable aspect of this conflict," he told Our Vancouver host Gloria Macarenko. 

"They are normal people, trying to have a better life somewhere else, trying to teach their children and have them go to school since its very hard for them to pursue their dreams in Syria."

Alibrahim is working with a group to encourage more people to privately sponsor refugees.

In the video above Alibrahim tells Macarenko about life in Syria, and how Canadian politicians and the public can take action.