Why is the DiasporaWhy is the Diasporaso Detached from their Homeland?

I was once with a group of Greek and Lebanese friends. I was the only Syrian. My Greek friends were telling us about the Greek festival that takes place every year and that they were rehearsing to perform a traditional Greek dance. My Lebanese friends told us that since the Lebanese festival this year was canceled due to the pandemic, the Lebanese community decided to prepare meals to give to frontline workers. I, on the other hand, had no Syrian festival or event to talk about. I couldn’t help but wonder why, especially that I was aware the Syrian community was big and growing here in my city. On a different occasion, I was on my way to a new Lebanese restaurant. The sign on the door clearly stated “Lebanese food.” I went in, an old man greeted me with a nod and I decided to speak in Arabic. When he started speaking, I was struck by a heavy Damascene accent instead. “Why did you write Lebanese food instead of Syrian?”I asked the old man, “people know Lebanese food”, he replied. A few months later, I had some childhood photos in Syria that I wanted to print. I went to a small shop, its owner was an old man with a thick Nova Scotian accent. When I returned for the photos, he asked me “Are you Lebanese?” I shook my head and said “Syrian.” He nodded and told me that he’s Syrian as well. He then corrected himself “Well I’m Lebanese, but when my grandparents came here it was all the same. Do you know the Lebanese festival we have now? It was called the Syrian festival before.” I felt so disappointed. I had many questions but no answers. Why do the Syrian kids I teach not speak Arabic? Why aren’t my Syrian friends who were born here interested in their homeland? Why is there no sense of community in the diaspora? Are we losing our identity as we scatter across the globe with no vision of returning?