Qasem Alyazji, a 42-year-old man from Gaza, is urging Canadian authorities to help reunite his family after he arrived in Ottawa last month with his three children, leaving behind his wife, Doaa Nashwan, who remains in a tent in Gaza. The family fled through the Kerem Shalom crossing after their home was destroyed in a bombing, and although Canada had promised assistance under its special measures for extended family members in Gaza, Doaa’s name was not included in the approval list.
The family’s emotional departure has left the children distressed, now living with relatives in suburban Ottawa while attending school. Doaa, 37, was unable to meet Canada’s visa biometric requirements due to the lack of access in Gaza, which requires her to travel to a third country—an impossible task under the current conditions.
Despite Canada’s statement that it continues to advocate for approved individuals, critics argue the government has moved too slowly. As of April 27, only 811 out of 1,177 approved applicants have arrived in Canada. Advocates point out the contrast with Canada’s swift actions for Ukraine, highlighting the disparity and calling it negligence.
While Alyazji holds onto hope for a reunion, he says the mornings are filled with tears from his children longing for their mother.
Source: Swifteradio.com
