HALIFAX — On the one-year anniversary of the tragic Spryfield house fire that claimed the lives of their seven children, Ebraheim and Kawthar Barho shared a message of love and sorrow.
"We would like to offer our deepest gratitude to the thousands of Nova Scotians who have shown us their love and support over this past year," the Barhos said in an issued statement.
"The loss is immense and we miss our children every day."
The Barhos lost all seven of their children, Ahmed, 15; Rola, 12; Mohamad, 9; Ola, 8; Hala, 3 and Rana, 2, Abdullah, born on Nov. 9, in a house fire on Quartz Drive in Spryfield on Feb. 19. Halifax Fire was unable to determine the cause of the fire.
"Still we have found comfort in the kindness of strangers, in the courage of first responders, in the dedication of healthcare professionals, and in the sense of belonging offered to us by this community," the statement said.
"We will keep each and every one of you in our hearts forever."
Ebraheim, who suffered burns to more than 80 per cent of his body, remains in hospital with his wife and family by his side, according to CTV News. He is to undergo more rehabilitation before he can be medically discharged from the hospital.
The Hants East Assisting Refugee Team, which sponsored the Syrian refugees’ arrival to Nova Scotia in October 2017, expressed its gratitude to "the many people and organizations who have offered their love and guidance over the last year."
"We established the Hants East Assisting Refugees Team because we wanted to help those who were suffering, to bring the compassion of our community to bear on those in need," the community group said. "In turn, you have shown us that same love and we will never forget it.”