I ask Tareq, now 30, if the family would return to Syria. “Canada is not a hospital that you leave when you recover. It is our home, the greatest country on Earth,” he replies. “It celebrated us as human beings worthy of dignity, giving us a chance to create a sense of belonging after we lost everything.” This gratitude extends deep. A portion of the profits from every chocolate sold is contributed to charities and causes, including Indigenous, LGBTQ and international relief organizations.
As acute cultural and political conflict continues to proliferate across North America, Peace by Chocolate’s mission is more important than ever. “Hatred and anxiety are much easier to spread than love, kindness and peace,” says Tareq. After rebuilding their lives, he’s also aware that Canadians take many things for granted. “Most Canadians have never lived in areas of war or conflict. They haven’t had to fear bombs and mortars. They have peace in their day-to-day lives, access to healthcare, education, and freedom of movement.” Moreover, small communities can access many of the services and amenities one finds in a big city. Tareq encourages refugees and immigrants to embrace our small towns, which offer stability, safety, community support, and, most of all, peace.
Syria has lost skilled workers and bold entrepreneurs to Canada’s gain. Refugees and immigrants have made enormous sacrifices to be here, and we do not take it for granted, myself included. We work hard, we give our best, we open our hearts, adopt strange customs, and treasure our opportunities. We know that life is as fragile as a chocolate bar; easily broken, quickly stolen, suddenly melted or tragically lost.
Yes, life is a box of chocolates, and you never know what you’re going to get. Pistachios, hazelnuts or maple syrup? Sea salt, cranberries or caramel. Inspired by the spirit and mission of the Hadhads and their community in Antigonish – not to mention those heavenly truffles – the Peace by Chocolate story contains all the ingredients Canada aspires to be.