Khaled Abdulwahed
Country of Origin: Syria
Main Focus: Activism for freedom and justice for the people of Syria, supporting refugees
Follow on: Twitter and Molham Team
Khaled Abdulwahed is a Syrian-Canadian activist in exile, born in Damascus, who has dedicated his life to advocating for the freedom and justice of his people. His journey began in 2011 when he was only 17 years old and started filming the anti-Assad protests in Damascus. He felt it was his duty to show the world how the people of Damascus were rising up against the regime and demanding change. He sent his footage and photographs to media outlets worldwide, hoping to bring attention to the atrocities committed by the government.
Khaled's activism made him and his friends targets of the regime, and he lost several family members, friends, and acquaintances in the conflict. Despite the danger, he was determined to keep fighting for the rights of his people. He eventually escaped to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon before finally arriving in Canada in 2016.
Since arriving in Toronto, Khaled has become known among his friends as the "Syrian mayor of Toronto." He is a passionate activist who spends his free time fundraising for Molham Volunteering Team, an NGO that raises money for Syrians living in refugee camps and advocating for justice in Syria through the Syria Solidarity Collective. He also helped organize the Syrian Eagles, a soccer team for Syrian refugees in Toronto. Through these activities, he is able to stay connected to his country and the revolution he left behind.
As an activist, Khaled hopes to see his country on a path to freedom and justice for its people. He firmly believes that the regime must be held accountable for the atrocities committed against the Syrian people, and he continues to fight for this cause. He says that the most difficult feeling is not being able to return home, as the regime destroyed everything. Despite the challenges he has faced, Khaled remains resilient and determined to make a positive impact for Syrians both in Canada and around the world.
Khaled's activism is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Even in the face of adversity, he continues to fight for what he believes in. He is a powerful advocate for the rights of refugees and immigrants, and he has spoken out about the challenges faced by refugees in Canada and the need for more support for those who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Khaled's work with Molham Volunteering Team exemplifies the power of collective action. By working together, he and his colleagues raised significant funds to help Syrians in refugee camps. Through their efforts, they have provided basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care to those who need it most.
Khaled's activism is also an example of the power of sports. The Syrian Eagles soccer team has brought together Syrian refugees in Toronto and helped them to feel a sense of community and belonging. Through this team, Khaled and his colleagues have provided a space for refugees to come together, have fun, and build friendships.