As the first plane carrying Syrian refugees arrived in Toronto, Canadians were on hand to welcome them to their new country.
Photos of their arrival and messages of support flooded in on Twitter under the hashtag . Here's a roundup of some of the best photos and messages.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at Pearson International Airport Thursday night to personally greet the families. The prime minister handed out winter coats, shook hands and welcomed the families.
Welcome to Canada.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)
LOOK AT ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL HAPPY FACES,
— Alexe (@darksoulatl)
Other politicians were also on hand to witness the arrival, including Federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne:
Precious moment with the beautiful daughter of one of the first families to arrive from Syria.
— Jane Philpott (@janephilpott)
The outpouring of positivity from Canadians with the arrival of refugees has been inspiring
— Dr. Eric Hoskins (@DrEricHoskins)
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne)
World Vision Canada compiled a short video montage of Canadian children welcoming Syrian children arriving in the country:
I love this example! Children welcoming children.
— Adam Bell (@abellpeel)
The United Nations Refugee Agency in Canada, meanwhile, posted this video on Friday evening:
We stand with Canadians in wishing our new Syrian friends a very warm welcome.
— UNHCR Canada (@UNHCRCanada)
Others extended the welcome on Twitter, sharing positive messages and tips to the newcomers. Many also expressed pride in how the country was opening its doors to the refugees.
I am a Mi'kmaq National. I welcome the Syrian refugees to our lands. Our newest Treaty partners. Pjilasi!
— Barbara Low (@BarbaraXLow)
I am neither Syrian nor Canadian, but has filled me with hope this morning. Faith in humanity has been restored. Thank you.
— Yasmin Kassem (@YasminKassem2)
Created this graphic for everyone to use and share. Let's spread the love <3
— Lua Emilia (@polyenthusiast)
With so much bad news in the world, I'm so thankful for how Canadians are welcoming refugees. It's bringing me hope today. #WelcomeToCanada
— Sarah Bessey (@sarahbessey)
Seeing our Prime Minister show up at the airport to welcome these refugees made my heart burst with pride
— Fariha (@CanadianMomEh)
You are here and you are safe. You are here and you are loved. You are here and you can stay. Never been more proud.
— Riley Lange (@rileylange)
Dear refugees, we want you here. We are glad you came. Wishing you peace and love here in your new home.
— Meaghan Smith (@MeaghanSmith)
my home is now your home, my country is now your country, and this safety is now your safety
— Brianna(: (@BriannaErnest)
So proud to be Canadian! First refugees have arrived. I live in a country that is choosing compassion over fear. Amazing!
— Julie-Anne Mauno (@julieannemauno)
I can't wait to share my beautiful country with amazing people who deserve it after all they've been through,welcome home
— Alexe (@darksoulatl)
I say welcome to our newest Syrian friends. Relax, soak it in, become a part of society. Be Free.
— RonPare (@RonPare)
Kids previously living in camps are getting a fresh start in Canada today. This pleases me.
— Mark (@graham_mark_e)
And, this being Twitter, there were also a few jokes, as Canadians took the chance inform the new residents about Canadian culture and trends:
, and we're already sorry for all the times people will talk to you about poutine in the next 72 hours.
— Jonathan Ore (@Jon_Ore)
One Twitter user couldn't help but note just how utterly Canadian the entire arrival process turned out to be:
You know you're in Canada when there are TOO MANY donations for Syrian refugees.
— Pills & Pebbles (@pillsandpebbles)
