We, the members of the Canadian Syrian community, are reaching out to you with an urgent and heartfelt request. Our families in Syria, particularly those from minority groups, are facing grave dangers. As Canadians of Syrian heritage, we are deeply concerned about the safety and survival of these vulnerable communities who continue to be targeted by violence and persecution.

Since the Syrian conflict began in 2011, minorities such as the Alawites, Ismailis, Christians, Druze, Yazidis, Kurds and others have borne the brunt of unimaginable suffering. Extremist groups like Daesh have committed atrocities, especially in cities like Adraa, Hama, and Latakia, where innocent civilians have been forced from their homes, stripped of their livelihoods, and left in constant fear for their lives. Some have fled, but many remain trapped, facing daily threats of kidnapping, extortion, and even death.

The oppressive Syrian regime silenced many of these families for years, preventing them from speaking out against its crimes. However, the situation has gotten even worse... These communities are not being targeted for their actions, but for who they are — their identity, for which they cannot falsify or hide. This leaves them entirely vulnerable, with no protection and no hope for safety in their homeland. 

As Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), a group linked to al-Qaeda, faces internal conflicts and has lost control over extremist factions, further escalating violence. Numerous armed groups have carried out attacks on minorities, engaging in killings, kidnappings, forced evictions, property confiscation, and labeling minorities as "atheists" who "do not deserve to live." This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

As Canadians, we are reaching out to our community for support and to act on the behalf of these vulnerable people. Specifically, we request:

1. For the creation of a special humanitarian program to offer a temporary sanctuary to minorities at risk in Syria, similar to the program extended to Ukrainian refugees.
2. For an open work and visit visa program that allows Canadian Syrians to bring their families to Canada for up to three years, providing safety until the situation in Syria stabilizes.

Our community stands ready to support this initiative. Many of us are prepared to take full responsibility for the care and well-being of our families, including providing financial support, housing, healthcare, and other essential needs while they are in Canada.

Canada has a proud tradition of standing up for human rights and offering refuge to those in need. This is a chance to continue that legacy by providing protection to Syrian minorities whose lives are at immediate risk. The situation is dire, and now is the time to act.

Your response will make the difference between life and death for the individuals with nowhere else to turn.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We remain hopeful for your positive response and are ready to provide any further information and support needed to make this initiative a reality.

Sincerely,  
United Syrian Minorities of Canada