Syrian refugee finds new life, champions squamish’s open arms

After decades of war and displacement, Joudi Safo, a Syrian Kurd, has secured Canadian citizenship in Squamish, B.C., a testament to the community’s commitment to refugee sponsorship.

From refugee camp to maple leaf citizen

Four years ago, Safo and his family arrived in Squamish through the Squamish United Church’s refugee program, a daunting transition from the familiar horrors of war-torn Iraq to the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Initially, he described the landscape as ‘a shock,’ a surprising ‘heaven’ after years of hardship.

A basement transformed, a family found

The Haberl family – Kevin and Vicki – exemplify the grassroots dedication fueling Squamish’s refugee support network. Recognizing the need, they converted their basement into a welcoming suite, initially housing Safo’s sister and family. When the Safo’s arrived in 2022, the Haberls graciously made space, demonstrating a remarkable generosity of spirit. ‘We just kept going,’ Kevin Haberl recounted, ‘Joudi moved in, and it was awesome.’

Language and resilience

Safo’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Beginning with limited English, he rapidly mastered the language through free classes and, crucially, by immersing himself in daily life – listening to music, watching films, and conversing with customers at his barber shop, Fresh Cuts. His impressive 20 out of 20 score on the citizenship test underscores his dedication and determination.

A home, finally

For Safo, the Haberl’s basement represented more than just shelter; it symbolized a chance to rebuild his life. Recalling his time in Iraq – nearly a decade spent in refugee camps and working precarious jobs – he emphasized the profound difference Canada represented. ‘When I went back to Kevin’s house the other day, even after a couple months away, I got that first feeling again, like when I first moved to Canada,’ he said, stating simply, ‘Since I was born, I never felt like Syria was my country. Being Canadian, that was the first time I felt like I had a country now.’

Facing bureaucratic hurdles

Despite the community’s support, Safo acknowledges the increasing difficulties faced by refugee sponsors. Federal funding for the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program has dwindled, significantly slowing down the processing of travel documents and visas. ‘There’s no timeline. It’s just whenever,’ Kevin Haberl explained, highlighting the frustrating uncertainty. The church is currently sponsoring families to Squamish and Calgary, emphasizing the ongoing need for support.

A new chapter

Today, Safo’s life mirrors that of many Squamish residents, balancing the responsibilities of family – dropping his son at school and his toddler at daycare – with his work. His wife, Sheren, continues her English studies, driven by her ambition to fully integrate into her new community. ‘They changed my life and my kids’ lives forever,’ Safo stated emphatically, ‘They’re going to have a better education. A better life. I can’t say enough about the feeling.’