Peace by Chocolate

by Jon Tattrie

Tareq Hadhad was worried about his father: Isam did not know what to do with his life. Before the war began in Syria, Isam had run a chocolate company for over twenty years. But that life was gone now. The factory was destroyed, and he and his family had spent three years in limbo as refugees before coming to Canada. So, in an unfamiliar kitchen in a small town, Isam began to make chocolate again.

This remarkable book tells the extraordinary story of the Hadhad family — Isam, his wife Shahnaz, and their sons and daughters — and the founding of the chocolatier, Peace by Chocolate. From the devastation of the Syrian civil war, through their life as refugees in Lebanon, to their arrival in a small town in Atlantic Canada, Peace by Chocolate is the story of one family. It is also the story of the people of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and so many towns across Canada, who welcomed strangers and helped them face the challenges of settling in an unfamiliar land.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Canada, Book Club, Audiobook, Inspirational, Biography Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I chose to read this book:
1. the title and synopsis intrigued me when I saw it featured on a "CBC Reads" post;
2. Peace by Chocolate is a well-known Canadian success story;
3. while watching a national (Canadian) news station on September 13, 2021, I was thrilled to see Tareq Hadhad's joy at being able to vote for the first time in the federal election as a Canadian citizen; and,
4. it fits perfectly with my March 2022 "Memoirs & Biographies" Month!

Positives:
1. author Jon Tattrie's clear, concise, and overall well-written biographical narrative was so engrossing that I had a hard time putting this book down whenever life called me away;
2. Tattrie has expertly tied the Hadhads' experiences as Syrian refugees to the inspirational actions of the Nova Scotian community of Antigonish who welcomed and supported this family. Through this generosity, the Hadhads confidently built their successful entrepreneurship of the Peace by Chocolate enterprise in order to repay this kindness;
3. through Tattrie's extensive interviews, I got a clear sense of everyone involved through the detailed stories of various members of the Hadhad family and the Antigonish community;
4. inclusion of six pages of black-and-white photos - some brought tears to my eyes;
5. as a Canadian, I loved reading about Tareq's "firsts" upon his arrival to Canada;
6. Tattrie's written histories about Syria and its people (past and present), the plight of its refugees, the community of Antigonish, Sobey's grocery stores - even of chocolate itself, were brief but highly relevant; and,
7. This book was published shortly after COVID came to North America. The following quote by Tareq on social media puts a lot into perspective:
"A simple comparison: 2013: During the war that tore my immediate family apart, we were forced to LEAVE our homes, and our country. 2020: During COVID-19 crisis, we are asked to STAY in our homes with our family, and stay safe. I will take the second. Full stop."

This inspirational story of compassion and resilience made me proud to be Canadian! It will definitely be going onto my "Favorites" bookshelf! Now, I must go and order some chocolate! 💖

P.S. It tastes delicious!😋

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartbreaking yet wonderful and uplifting story. The mountains that this family had to overcome were tremendous and their perseverance is admirable. It would have been so easy for them to give up but they never did. Not only was the family inspiring, but also all of the amazing people that helped them out along the way. Reading how the community of Antigonish came together to help them left me with such a feeling of love and hope. Be prepared to shed some tears when you read this; I know I did! A remarkable story! I definitely recommend this book.

Also, I must say that I have been to their chocolate store in Halifax many times and their chocolate is amazing!!!

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfectly blended story showcasing the Hadhad family’s bittersweet refugee experience in 2015 with their inspirational journey to success after losing everything to the Syrian war.

After a bomb destroyed their chocolate factory and war threatened their way of life, the Hadhad family left Damascus, Syria and arrived in Antigonish, a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada.

I was swept up in a compelling story featuring the three C’s: community, connections and chocolate and was in awe of the strength of the family unit in enduring and overcoming hurdles in their journey.

I appreciated the author sharing a background of the history of Damascus, Syria and a refresher on how chocolate is made.

I had watched the movie and was eager to read the book afterwards; both were good in different ways. This would make a fantastic book club selection as there’s so much to discuss.

I’ve noted that Amazon sells Peace By Chocolate and am excited to connect to the story further.

Recommended reading and viewing.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this inspiring true story about the Hadhad family's journey from Syria to Canada and the people of Antigonish who welcomed them.

Tareq Hadhad put things in perspective in a social media post:
"A simple comparison: 2013: During the war that tore my immediate family apart, we were forced to LEAVE our homes, and our country. 2020: During COVID-19 crisis, we are asked to STAY in our homes with our family, and stay safe. I will take the second. Full stop."

PEACE BY CHOCOLATE is a beautiful and captivating story of adversity, loss, love, and chocolate. I highly recommend this heartwarming book about never losing hope.

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and a much needed read for our current times of darkness.

As A Syrian that recently moved to Canada, a big part of the book was very relatable. Images of war torn Syria weren't easy to get through. But the overall tone of hope that the book provides was very warm and satisfying!

[Aarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I realized that there was a book about the Hadhad family - I got in my car and drove to Indigo to grab a copy. I found out about this incredible story only a year back and became impressed with how far this family has come, but also how Nova Scotians are seriously the kindest people on earth. 🌍

As a fellow Canadian and as a daughter of two refugees I am constantly drawn to stories about them. Most of the stories are tragic and painful to read so I knew this would have a happy ending. That doesn't mean I did not cry. I cried a lot reading this book as it pulled my heart strings. Time and time again Canada as a nation never fails to remind me of its kindness and compassion. Time and time again refugees keep proving their unmatched resilience.

Also as a chocolate lover and self proclaimed chocolate connoisseur - I was drooling this entire time reading the book. I keep waiting to buy a bar when I visit Halifax one day, but now I just might have to buy it online!!

Such a timeless story, written extremely well. Highly recommend.

[Jocelyne Mallet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Having helped a family from Syria resettle in Canada, I could relate to many things written in this book. I visited and purchases chocolate from the « shed » in Antigonish and ordered more on-line for Christmas. I highly encourage people to support this hardworking, generous, loving family. The Haddads remind me 100% of the family i have had the honour to help when they arrived in NB in January 2016. Hats off to the author, #jontattrie for a very well written story, it truly warmed my heart.

[Oscar Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, and altruism!

[Francine Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really won the lottery of life by being born and raised in Canada. This book taught me just how lucky I am.
Beautiful book, showing resilience and teaching us to never give up. A great read

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hadhad family lived in war torn Syria. Patriarch Isam had started a chocolate factory when he was a young man and grew it into a beloved business for over 20 years. The building was bombed as was their home so the family fled to Lebanon to be safe. From there, for the next three years they tried to figure out what to do next. An opportunity arose to head to Canada.

In the meantime, the residents of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, wanted to help the refugees of Syria and started raising money so they could bring families to Antigonish and help them get a fresh start. The Hadhad family was one of the families that benefited from their help. In 2016, Tareq was the first of the Hadhad children to arrive in Antigonish. The rest of his family eventually got permission to join him and start a new life.

Isam had lost so much and it took a while to get his groove back. He started making chocolates in their kitchen and giving them out to show his appreciation. This led to him selling chocolates at farmers' markets and eventually he started and Tareq his business again, which they called Peace by Chocolate. The business is now one of the larger employers in the area and Tareq has become an international spokesperson of peace.

I went to university in Antigonish and lived there for four years afterwards (I moved to Toronto in 1987) so this story was a bit more near and dear to my heart. I loved that the residents of Antigonish banded to together to help families that were so different from them but needed help.

I liked the writing style ... the author kept it high level but the heartfelt emotions still came through. It's so nice to see a family that had so much and then lost it has been able to get back on their feet again and help and be appreciative of their new community.

Blog review : http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/11...

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to end my year of reading! An uplifting and inspiring story of a small community (Antigonish, NS) and their warm welcome to a family of Syrian refugees. This book is specifically about the Hadhad family but they have welcomed numerous families to their community.
What the Hadhad family had to endure during their flight from Syria, then to Lebanon and finally to finding peace in Canada is probably beyond what anyone who has never had to deal with such conflict could ever begin to imagine. I learned quite a bit about the history of Antigonish, NS. Did you know that the grocery chain Sobey's was started in Nova Scotia and they now carry Peace by Chocolate and helped the Hadhad family to expand their operations? I also learned that the Muslim religion forbids them from borrowing or lending money that will accrue interest. Books that teach, that's what I love most about reading.
There were so many great lines in this book but I think the best one was from Drew Feustel an American astronaut who was on the International Space Station. "From space, we don't see borders on Earth. We see one world, one Earth, one fragile, frail community down on the planet. We would all do well to take better care of each other and take care of our planet."
I could go on with quotes, great lines and insight but I leave it up to you to read.
I loved this book because it was full of hope and promise and it was a pleasure to read.

https://peacebychocolate.ca/

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written story of the Hadhad family that starts in Syria well before the war, follows them through their flight from their home to Lebanon and eventually to Canada. In Canada, they find themselves in the small community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With the support of the new friends in the community, the Hadhad's settle in and begin to rebuild their lives.

"Peace by Chocolate is a story of new beginnings. As newcomers to Canada, the Hadhad family rebuilt their family run chocolate business into a symbol for international peace and hope. For more than 20 years they shipped their specialty treats all over the Middle East. Like much of their homeland, the Hadhad chocolate factory was destroyed in a bombing that forced the family to leave everything behind and flee. With the support of their new Canadian community in Antigonish, and the people of Nova Scotia, they have rebuilt their chocolate company and are once again doing the work they love."

I highly encourage you to read this book of love, loss, friendship, perseverance, and chocolate and to get some of the chocolate to enjoy while you read!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!
What can I say! A must read! I learnt so much from this book!
September 8, 1930 Father Moses Coady walked into a meeting in Antigonish's town hall....."The people can do ten times what they think they can do!" he insisted. "You're poor enough to want it, and smart enough to get it." Lots of history in this book!
Canada!!!! We are the people! We are from all over the world! We are Canada!
Page 208... from Tareq....
A simple comparison: 2013: During the war that tore my immediate family apart we were forced to LEAVE our homes, and our country. 2020: During COVID-19 crisis, we are asked to STAY in our homes with our family, and stay safe. I will take the second. Full stop.
This book is amazing. So happy to learn the Hadhad family story!
Happy Reading.

[Maša · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a “sweet” story hahaha. Very heartwarming, and a good book to assign to a class of WASP 7th graders.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic and uplifting story about how the Hadhad family went from Syrian chocolate makers to refugees to successful Canadian chocolate makers in a surprisingly short period of time. As the granddaughter of refugees, I know how refugees can make a success of their new life in a new country, but the speed at which the Hadhad family achieved success is astounding, and is a tribute both to their tenacity and the amazing community of supportive people they found themselves in when they arrived in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. I loved their story, I love the name they chose for their business, and I just know I am going to love the chocolate I ordered from Peace By Chocolate.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 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.

[Sarah Butland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the Hadhad's, especially Tareq, have been everywhere, especially in Nova Scotia but Tattrie's telling of it still informed me of a lot I didn't know.

Being from Nova Scotia, and neighbouring Antigonish, the message behind Peace by Chocolate was hard to miss, and the purchases of such was impossible. Tattrie introduces us to the people behind the deliciousness and made it all more real. He takes an in depth look at not only Tareq and his father, chef master Isam, but of their entire family, related by blood and by the struggle to succeed.

A great read for anyone who wants to better understand the journey behind the goodness.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a lovely story. I am so glad I read this book. The family story in Syria was heartbreaking, but what happened in Nova Scotia was heartwarming. I cried when the passengers on board Tareq's first flight to Halifax started clapping and cheering to welcome him and the other Syrian Family. I laughed when Tareq was shoveling snow and learned that "sometime around May, winter would end". All their family reunions were so emotional.
I learned about SAFE, the Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace, and I was really impressed with this warm and welcoming community. If you are looking for a great Canadian success story, I would definitely recommend this book.

[Kelly Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever there was a book to warm the heart and inspire the soul this is it. The Hadhad family’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, humility, honour, and a true love of their adopted community and country… and of course chocolate! They are a beacon of the truth of welcoming refugees to hold up against the ever-present darkness of those who want to hate anyone who is different from themselves. This is their story but also the story of Antigonish, the small community that welcomed them with open arms, and the story of Canada, a country that is so fortunate to have them safe within our borders and lucky to call them fellow Canucks.
Author Tattrie also includes some great history at the start of each section; the history of chocolate, of Syria, and most interestingly, the story of Moses Coady and the “Antigonish Movement” during the depression years.
I stopped into Peace by Chocolate back in the fall of 2020 when we were enjoying our pandemic safe “Atlantic Bubble”. I pulled into the “layup” and crossed the road to the little shed next to the yellow house. After a few minutes I was greeted by Alaa who was then joined by her mother Shahnaz. I did not realize at the time that they had already opened a large factory nor did I know the terrifying extra year that Alaa and her children had spent in Lebanon, instead I simply met two lovely women who enticed me with their warmth and of course with chocolate! Alaa told me that Tareq had been nominated for the “Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year” award (he won!!) and that this book was being launched the following week and I am ashamed it has taken me this long to pick up a copy and really understand the incredible story of this wonderful family. They make me proud to be a Canadian and even prouder to be a Maritimer… like them!
Oh, and the chocolate I bought?... DELISH!!

[❀ Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew that the Hadhad family had an amazing story. I knew this when we visited the Peace By Chocolate story in Antigonish (2019) and I knew it when I watched Tareq Hadhad participate in Canada Reads (2022). What I did not know, was exactly how amazing it was that the family were able to escape Syria with their lives, how remarkable it was to be chosen to come to Canada and how they were able to be supported by an amazing community in Antigonish.

This loving family experienced kindness and continue to pay it forward, sharing kindness back with the communities even quickly pitching in the help displaced families in Fort McMurray just months into their new chocolate business.

"I do not make chocolate, I make happiness"

"if you want to receive kindness, you must give kindness"

I borrowed this book from the library but need a copy for my shelves and was happy to find that they have a story and chocolate box available on their website: https://peacebychocolate.ca/collectio...

[Tara ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and life-affirming book this was! This book was given to me by a relative in Nova Scotia and details the journey of the Hadhads, a Syrian family fleeing their homeland and finding a chance at a new life in the small town of Antigonish, NS. I was so moved by their courage, their humility, and their hopes to realize their dreams in their new home country of Canada (Canada initially pledged to take in 25,000 Syrian refugees in 2015 and as of January 2021 had taken in more than 44,000). The Hadhad family story represents countless other people who have fled their homeland in search of a chance at a better life and by doing so, have given back exponentially to their new communities. In the words of Tareq Hadhad's open thank you letter to Canada, "Dear Canada, thank you for taking a chance on this guy who dreamed of a place to call home after losing the one he was born in. Thank you for the genuine feeling of what home looks like and how home - even in the middle of a snowy January - can be the warmest place on this entire planet. (not lying, eh!).

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet (haha) story that will make warm your heart.

'Peace by Chocolate' is the story of the Hadhad family, and the growth of their chocolate business in Syria. When the war came in 2015 they were displaced, but eventually came to Canada as refugees.

The welcome they recieved in Nova Scotia is incredibly wholesome, as is the tale of how they restarted their chocolate business— now bigger and better than ever!

A great feel-good story with an inspiring message. One that rejects the deductive notion of refugees as pitiful or without agency, but rather as hard-working, driven individuals.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 5 ⭐️ story takes the reader on the extraordinary journey with the Hadhad family as they face the daunting experience of becoming refugees during the Syrian civil war. Through hard work as a family and so much good will and support by their Canadian community, this family tells their immigration success story. It is heart breaking and uplifting at the same time. We are reminded what safety, freedom and peace really mean from people who lost it all and found it again in Canada. Their story will renew your faith in humanity, keep a Kleenex handy.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an inspirational book. It is impossible to imagine living the life the Hadhad family has lived; how they kept their strength and optimism. And not only have they persevered, they have helped many others. Having been “introduced” to Tareq Hadhad via Canada Reads this year, it was interesting to place him in the life described in this book. The Hadhad family was fortunate to end up in Nova Scotia with the remarkable, generous people of Antigonish.

[Kelly D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of the Hadhad family.
This book was written very well. Although I had heard of the family and company before, my knowledge was only serviced deep. This book taught me a lot and gave me an even deeper appreciation. This family has overcome also getting some real world knowledge into the life of a refugee and immigrating to Canada . This story moved me… And I am so proud of my neighbours in Nova Scotia and fellow Canadians.

[Aren Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an empathy-building, compelling read for all Nova Scotians & Canadians! I could not put it down.

Long familiar with the media portrayal of the Hadhad family and Peace by Chocolate, it was a fascinating telling of exactly how the Syrian family came to Nova Scotia and became an entrepreneurial powerhouse. With other well-known N.S. immigrant stories woven into the text, Tattrie writes beautifully about the history of newcomers in this province and the power of home, peace and community. 👍👍

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of family, immigration, peace, and kindness. I wasn’t aware of Peace by Chocolate or the Hadhad family until Tareq championed a book for the 2022 Canada Reads. Glad to have made this connection and even better ordered their delicious chocolate.

A warm-hearted read.

[Jennifer Haddad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe of the Hadhad family courage. I’m in awe of the town of Antigonish’s compassion and determination to be a light for so many refugees. You’ll learn about war torn Syria, the history of Antigonish, the Hadhad families life past and present and their dedication of giving back. Truly an inspirational story where you’ll cry, chuckle and do a whole lot of smiling. November of 2022 I had an opportunity to stop by at the original chocolate making shed beside their home. Just days after that visit Peace by Chocolate announced the grand opening of their storefront on Main Street in Antigonish. What a journey so far!

[Frieda Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on a tour of the Maritime Provinces and just wanted something sweet. I happened upon a stand selling the chocolate highlighted in this book. It was some of the best chocolate I've ever had. Later in the tour, our guide spoke of this chocolate and how it came to be. I was intrigued by this amazing story of resilience. I live in an area noted for its mushrooms. Without immigrants mushroom growing would be impossible. Immigrants have enriched this country in so many ways.

[taylor]

this was so interested to read about after hearing bits and pieces of the story for so long