Syrian sisters reunited in Vancouver after years apart

After three years apart, two Syrian sisters have finally been reunited in Vancouver, thanks to a private sponsorship through the Canadian Memorial Church.

"Iam so happy,Ican't speak," said NourAyal, holding back tears.

Before Tuesday's reunion at the Vancouver International Airport,Nour had not seen her sister Dalal Ayaland her two sons,in three years.

"Everyday Iam thinking about her," said Nour.

Dalal's husband Aymanoutspoken and critical of the Assad regime was arrested and imprisonedin August 2014.

According to Dalal, in April of 2015, government officials then gave the family a death certificate, claiming her husband died on February 28, 2015.

Fearing for the safety of her two young sons, Dalalfled to Turkey with her children last May.

Her sister Nour lives in Burnaby and was tryingto bring the family to Canada.

"I am so happy because my sister and her kids [are]safe," said Nour.[They have a]new future here now."

Church sponsors Muslim family

The Ayal family reunion was made possible by the Canadian Memorial Church.

It's the first time in decadesthe Christianchurch has sponsored a refugee family, according to Reverend Beth Hayward.

"It'stime," said Hayward.We do a lot of outreach locallyand this is just a wonderful complement to that to try to address what's happening in the world right now."

Nour and her family are Muslimand Hayward said if anything, that difference broadened the view of the congregation.

"You look at how small our world is today, and yet within that, there seems to be a whole lot of fear about peoplewho are different. Every effort we can make to break through that barrier is a really helpful thing."