Syrian refugees in Ottawa desperate for news from Aleppo

As images and news of shellingand airstrikes continue to pour in from Aleppo, Syrianrefugee familiesin Ottawa wait nervously for any updates from loved ones still trapped in the Syrian city.

Alia Alhesoresettled in Ottawa with her husband and children in February, leaving behind her parents and seven of her nine siblings in Syria. One of her brothers is still in Aleppo with his wife and one-month-old child.

Speaking Wednesday morning at her children's school bus stop on Donald Street, Alhesosaid that morning she finally received an update from her brother, after days without any news.

"He got a voice message through to me," said Alheso. "He said 'We are OK. But we are surrounded by dangers.'"

Alhesosaid it's very difficult knowing her family and friends are living with a shortage of food, electricity, and the constant threat of explosions.

"What can I say? I wish all of them could come to Canada," said Alheso.

Sleepless nights while waiting for news

FawazMohamed, another refugee standing at the school bus stop Wednesday morning,is also anxious for news from Aleppo, where he has four sisters and two brothers.

Speaking through a translator, Mohamed told CBC he hasn't heard from any of them all week, and he's now having trouble sleeping at night.

Like many people trying to reach residents in Aleppo, both Mohamed andAlhesoareusing a combination of Facebookand WhatsApp to communicate with relatives in Syria.

SamerQadri, president of Syrian Association Relief Aid, said Wednesday his agency is helping Syrians in Ottawa connect with relatives in Aleppo, by assisting them in using the apps and programs, and by asking his agency's contacts in Aleppo to check in on particular family members.

Qadri is also putting together an effort to collect and send help to the region.

"We want to organize some aid, clothes, for people when they cross the border into Turkey. At least something," said Qadri.

• Aleppo's brief ceasefire broken, attacks resume as evacuation stalls
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