Peace by Chocolate: One Syrian Refugee Family’s Journey to Sweet Success
Published: 2025-02-13 12:00
A Sweet Escape from War
In the midst of the devastating Syrian civil war, one family found solace and a path to a new life in the world of chocolate. The Hadhad family, forced to flee their war-torn homeland, turned their passion for chocolate into a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
From Damascus to Nova Scotia
The Hadhads’ business, Peace by Chocolate, began in Damascus, Syria, where Isam Hadhad, the father, owned a small chocolate factory. As the war escalated, the family fled to Lebanon and then Turkey, seeking safety. However, their dreams of a peaceful life remained elusive.
In 2016, through a refugee sponsorship program, the Hadhads arrived in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and language, the family was determined to rebuild their lives.
The Idea Behind Peace by Chocolate
Driven by the belief that chocolate brings joy and connects people, the Hadhads launched Peace by Chocolate in 2017. Their mission was to create gourmet chocolates that not only tasted great but also represented their journey and their hope for peace.
Their chocolates quickly gained a following in Nova Scotia and beyond, attracting attention for their unique flavors and the inspiring story behind them.
Growth and Expansion
As Peace by Chocolate’s success grew, the Hadhads expanded their operations and established a state-of-the-art chocolate factory in Antigonish. They also partnered with local organizations and businesses to support other refugees and newcomers in the community.
In 2021, Peace by Chocolate opened a new store in Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia. The store serves as a retail outlet for their chocolates and a gathering place for the community to connect and share stories.
Awards and Recognition
Peace by Chocolate has received numerous awards and accolades for its products, its social impact, and the Hadhads’ inspiring story.
- Canada’s Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award for Social Change (2021)
- Global Changemaker Award from the World Economic Forum (2022)
- Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from St. Francis Xavier University (2023)
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
The success of Peace by Chocolate is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Hadhad family and the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. Their chocolates have become a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
Continuing Mission
As Peace by Chocolate continues to grow, the Hadhads remain committed to their mission of promoting peace and supporting refugees and newcomers. They believe that chocolate has the power to connect people from different backgrounds and create a more compassionate and inclusive world.
Peace by chocolate: One Syrian refugee family’s journey to sweet success
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