Bayan Khatib
Bayan Khatib is a Canada-based former refugee from Syria, who founded the Syrian Canadian Foundation.[1] Khatib is known as a spokesperson, activist, and commentator on the Syria war.[2][3]
Early life
[edit]Bayan Khatib was born in Syria shortly before her parents fled to USA as refugees, and was initially raised by her grandparents in Syria.[2][4]
In 1986, at the age of seven, Bayan Khatib moved to Denver to rejoin her nuclear family, who she hardly knew.[2][4] She had a challenging transition initially as her parents were still dealing with the emotional trauma of their experiences in Syria.[4] Later the family moved to Toronto.[2]
Career
[edit]In 2011, in the context of the Syria conflict, Khatib worked as a spokesperson for the political opposition in Syria.[4]
In Toronto, she worked as a media relations officer trying to increase public awareness of the Syria war.[2]
In 2015, as Syrian refugees were arriving in Canada, Khatib founded the Syrian Canadian Foundation to provide support services for newcomers to Canada.[1][4][5]
Khatib also worked as the director of communications for the Al-Qazzaz Foundation.[2]
In 2018, she reacted to the airstrikes on Syria by saying that Syrians felt a mixture of optimism that it would curtail President Assad, and fear of civilian casualties. She pushed the Government of Canada to do more to end the conflict in Syria.[3]
In 2021, she organized deliveries of essential items to newcomers.[6][7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Syrian refugees celebrate fifth anniversary in Canada with virtual event". The Toronto Star. 2021-01-14. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
- ^ a b c d e f Fellegi, Vivien (29 November 2017). "Meet The Woman Helping Syrian Newcomers Deal With The Trauma Of Displacement". Chatelaine|Chatelaine (magazine).
- ^ a b "Mix of worry, optimism as Syrian Canadians react to U.S.-led airstrikes". CBC. 15 April 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Bayan Khatib finds her true calling in helping Syrian refugees". Canadian Immigrant. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
- ^ Appia, Veronica (2021-03-03). "To reach diverse groups, Ontario needs more 'culturally competent' COVID-19 data: experts". Toronto.com. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
- ^ Keung, Nicholas (2021-04-28). "Are linens, kitchenware and furniture essential during a pandemic? Yes, when you're a newcomer moving into a". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
- ^ "Today's coronavirus news: OPP charges golf course that defied COVID restrictions; Provinces to get single-shot". The Toronto Star. 2021-04-29. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2021-12-15.