A refugee’s life is one of constant upheaval – from the first day of flight from a war-torn community, to the ongoing search for a safe, stable home.
But for 82 Syrians who’ve escaped civil war, tomorrow - at last - that search will be over.
New Zealand’s first intake of Syrian refugees will be settled on Friday in the Wellington region, after six weeks of adjustment at Auckland’s Refugee Resettlement Centre.
They’re among 750 Syrians New Zealand will take in over the next three years – but just a fraction of an estimated 11 million others who’ve been displaced by five years of civil war.
For Hussein Tahouf, his wife and two children, it’s the end of a long and arduous journey.
The Tahoufs left Syria in 2011 after two “massacres” close to their homes – violence they say was carried out by pro-government forces supporting President Bashar al-Assad.
“We left our homes for the sake of our children,” he says.
They spent the next four years in Lebanese refugee camps, where more than 1 million are officially registered as refugees. Estimates put the real total much higher, at more than 1.5 million people.
Mr Tahouf recalls clearly life in the camps, where his son Mostafa has spent half his life. He says conditions were as bad as at home.
“The way we were treated in Lebanon was exactly the same as we were treated in Syria,” says Mr Tahouf. “Leaving and getting away from Lebanon was like a dream.”
Now that dream is very much reality. Tonight they’ll receive the documentation that certifies they’re permanent New Zealand residents – and tomorrow they’ll move into their first stable home since leaving Syria those years ago.
Helping them do that are a number of agencies – from Housing New Zealand, which supplies the homes, to the Red Cross, which will guide them through their first year in New Zealand.
But while Mr Tahouf has a new life ahead of him, he hasn’t forgotten the situation back home.
“In my country, we have the Syrian regime, and we have Islamic State”, he says. “I think things will end when there will have to be a choice – either Assad or IS. And of course they will choose Assad. And the people will continue to be scattered out of their homeland.”
That’s why Tahouf has a message for New Zealand.
“I thank the New Zealand Government for welcoming us,” he says. “And I hope they will welcome more refugees.”
Up to 100 more Syrians will arrive next month at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.
In July its capacity will expand significantly, when a new $24 million facility will open next to the old army barracks that currently houses most of the
It’s there that all incoming refugees undergo a crash course in Kiwi living, which ranges from basic English lessons to assistance in finding a job in New Zealand.
Mr Tahouf hopes Government will raise its refugee quota and give others the chance to experience the same.
“Especially the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, because they’re the ones under extreme pressure.”
The Tahoufs know that pressure all too well – though as they prepare for a new life in Wellington, finally the weight on their shoulders is lifting.
Newshub.
