From Kosovo to St. John's: a refugee shares her story

A St. John's woman who came to Canada is sharing her story to inspire more Canadians to accept Syrian refugees, and respect Muslims in general.

"I just really wanted people to understand what it's like to be on the other side," Elbonita Kozhani told the St. John's Morning Show.

Kozhaniwrotea lengthy Facebookpost Mondayabout her, and her family's, experience as Kosovar refugees, arriving in Canada in 1999.

• Read Kozhani's entire Facebook post here

"We came here with nothing. No passport or ID, no clothes nothing. It was Canadians who provided us with a 'home'," Kozhaniwrote.

"I look at myself in the mirror, and the person I have become today. And the only thoughts that come to my head is 'Canada'. I am proud of who I have become thanks for this country."

Her post has since been shared more than 20,000 times. She'sreceived more than 300 personal messages of support.

'Overwhelmed' by support

"I'm really truly overwhelmed," Kozhani said.

"The messages I've received from people all over the worldif I've made a difference in one person, than it's totally worth it."

Kozhani added she normally doesn't like to talk about what she went through, but felt she could no longer stay silent after hearing and seeing negative comments about Canadians accepting in refugees in the wake of the Paris attacks.

"I understand that people are scared, totally. Fear rules this world," she said.

"However just because of the recent event, doesn't mean that everybody we're going to accept is going to be a terrorist."

Kozhaniunderstands the worry that some terrorists mightposeas refugees, but said that can't be a deterrent to those in need of help.

"It is possible, but it's a chance you have to take. You can't let one person ruin it for thousands of refugees [to] stay in their country and potentially die. So you justkindofhave to hope that they're good people, with good intentions."

Muslims speaking out

Kozhani, who is Muslim, also hopes her post helps break down any fear or mistrust around her religion. She isn't the only member of the province's Muslim community hoping to spread thatmessage.

"Islam means 'peace'" Tahir Pashatold The Corner Brook Morning Show.

"Idon't understand how being a Muslim you can hurt someone, injure someone, take the life ofsomeone."

Pasha has lived in Corner Brook for about nine years, and said it hasso far been very welcoming, and he hopes it remains so.

"I believe, and I'm sure, we are living in a very tolerant and friendly environment here," he said.