Sana’s Story: From Vancouver School Support Worker to Druze Advocacy for Suwayda

Sana, originally from Syria, moved to Vancouver about 20 years ago as a skilled immigrant and former civil engineer, but shifted careers after volunteering and witnessing how confusing and overwhelming Canadian systems—especially education, healthcare, and social services—can be for immigrant and refugee families. She earned a social work diploma and since 2016 has worked with the Vancouver School Board supporting newcomer and refugee students and families, building trust, explaining the education system, connecting them to resources, and advocating so students can succeed in school and life in Canada.

Sana describes her Druze community from Suwayda in southern Syria as historically peaceful and loyal to their homeland, then recounts what she says was a July 2025 massacre/genocide after the regime changed, with civilians killed in their homes, homes burned, women raped, people executed, and hospital killings over nearly five days, creating deep trauma for Druze worldwide. She details an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Suwayda, including shortages of food, medical supplies and basic services, blocked movement, lack of electricity, schools occupied by refugees, students unable to attend university, and preventable deaths from missing treatments like insulin and cancer care. Living in Canada, she says, gives her freedom to speak up, and she describes diaspora efforts to raise awareness through protests in Vancouver and Toronto, public events in the U.S. including in front of Congress, and appeals for international protection and a humanitarian corridor. She also shares fears about identity-based targeting and discrimination, and urges Canadians to stay engaged through public awareness, policy attention, humanitarian support, and international action, holding both pain and hope for a future Syria where all people can live in peace.