Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family's Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada

The Syrian Civil War has not yielded much to give cause for optimism. However, one story to arise from this brutal conflict that has provided a glimmer of hope is that of the Hadhad family’s journey from Syria to Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

In Damascus the Hadhads, led by Isam Hadhad, operated a chocolate factory that employed a sizable work force and exported their product throughout the Middle East. Inspired by Isam’s community focused business philosophy, the Hadhads were popular, respected and by any standard successful, even prosperous. That all came to an abrupt end one day in November 2012 when the industrial sector of the city was bombed and the factory destroyed. When their home was destroyed as well, the family turned their show more focus to simple survival, and then watched their options shrink until fleeing their homeland was the only course of action that made sense.

Jon Tattrie’s skilful narrative captures the tension and uncertainty of those early days of the Hadhad family’s reluctant quest for safety, which first took them across the border into Lebanon. As the war raged on and hopes of returning to Syria faded, they began to consider other destinations, Canada among them. Tareq, the Hadhad’s oldest son, explored the possibilities and was put in contact with Canadian officials. A way forward was taking shape, but Tareq was also at the mercy of forces beyond his control. Needless to say, when he began thinking seriously about Canada as a potential landing spot, he did not expect his family to end up in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

In Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family’s Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada Jon Tattrie tells a heartening story of endurance, luck, tenacity, and human kindness. Midway through, the story shifts to Antigonish, where a determined group of citizens, deeply touched by the scale of suffering the crisis is causing, decides they cannot sit back and do nothing. The Hadhad family’s arrival in a small university town at the base of an inlet on Nova Scotia’s north shore was treated as a major community event and became for Antigonish something of a turning point and a source of enormous pride.

Tattrie’s book recounts in unsentimental terms the extraordinary achievements of many people. The Hadhads, the community of Antigonish, and the Canadian immigration officials who work to open doors to refugee families, triumphed over geographical, fiscal, political, and bureaucratic obstacles. At any point, the story could have come to an untimely end if someone in this fragile chain had given up. But everyone knew what was at stake and carried on.

Amidst the chaos and injustice of these anguished times, Peace by Chocolate is exactly what we need: a story that reminds us that even against enormous odds positive outcomes are still possible, and that remarkable things can be accomplished through hard work and perseverance. show less

If you want to have your faith in humanity restored, read this book.

Isam Hadhad was a chocolatier in Syria for almost 25 years, but when his family home and chocolate factory in Damascus were destroyed, he took his wife Shahnaz and five of his children to Lebanon. After years as refugees there, they were sponsored by a group in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Tareq, the eldest son, arrived first; he was soon followed by the rest of the family. With the help of the community, the family was able to open a new chocolate factory, Peace by Chocolate, which became very successful, with a percentage of profits going to peace-building projects around the world.

The reader learns about a family losing everything, having to leave family members behind show more in an unsafe situation, and adjusting to life in a totally alien country with a different language and customs. Nonetheless, the book emphasizes the positive. It’s a story of resilience and perseverance, luck, and compassion, acceptance, and kindness. The Hadhad family is determined and hardworking; Canadian immigration officials are helpful; and the community of Antigonish is welcoming and supportive. Even a major grocery chain is shown in a positive light.

I did question how amazingly welcoming and supportive the people of Antigonish were to this Syrian family. So many worked selflessly to assist the Hadhads and everyone was so welcoming that they experienced no prejudice?

The writing style I would describe as newspaper expository writing style with more simple than complex sentences. Information is given clearly and concisely, but my personal preference is for more variety in sentence structure. I do read much more fiction than non-fiction so perhaps that explains my dislike of such a straightforward style.

There are several messages in the book, but there are three that will remain with me. I was struck by the family’s gratitude for being in Canada, reminding me how fortunate I am to have been born in the country which, though not perfect, “can be the warmest place on this entire planet.” The value of immigration is also emphasized; Canada has much to gain by welcoming newcomers into the country. And then there’s the focus on the Golden Rule and doing unto others; the Hadhads are determined to repay the many kindnesses they received and so have become philanthropists.

This is a book that will make you cry and laugh and see the good in people. It reminded me of Come from Away. It’s a feel-good read we need. Even looking at the smiles of the Hadhads, especially Tareq’s, in the photos cannot but brighten your day.

Note: Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DCYakabuski). show less