The Jasmine Route, 2026
A powerful journey of solidarity, resilience, and hope for Syrian families forced to flee.
Inspired by one family’s story. Driven by a shared commitment to those still seeking safety.
The Jasmine Route is a 283-kilometre cycling journey from Montreal to Quebec City, created as an act of solidarity with Syrian refugees. The route mirrors the distance between Damascus and Palmyra, two ancient cities shaped by history, culture, and conflict.
Fifty cyclists, led by Safa Hammoud, are coming together to raise $100,000 to support Syrians who have been forced to flee their homes. For Safa, this ride is deeply personal. Her parents left Syria over two decades ago to seek safety in Canada, and she grew up with a constant awareness of the life they left behind. The Jasmine Route is her way of giving back, channeling her love of endurance sport into something bigger than herself.
Each kilometre of this journey is a reminder that behind every headline are families, stories, and futures at risk. It’s about showing that even from far away, we can reach people with compassion.
Syria’s Urgent Need and Our Commitment to Lasting Change
Today more than 13 million Syrians remain displaced. The conflict has scattered families destroyed homes and left essential services struggling to function. While recent political shifts have sparked hope many returning families still face deep uncertainty lacking housing healthcare and basic support. This is a critical moment. With sustained support families can begin to rebuild restore dignity and reclaim a sense of home. At UNHCR we are honoured to partner with Safa Hammoud and The Jasmine Route. Every dollar raised will help provide shelter protection and life-saving support to displaced Syrians. This ride is more than a fundraiser it is a powerful act of empathy and solidarity reminding us that when people come together even across borders they can change the course of someone’s life.
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