A Palestinian woman residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is urgently appealing to the Canadian government to intensify efforts in evacuating individuals safely from the conflict-ridden Gaza region. More than 20 months have passed since Najlaa Alzaanin applied to bring her family to Canada through a temporary visa program, without any updates on their status under the federal special measures initiative.
Alzaanin, who has been separated from 23 family members since relocating to Canada in 2019, expressed her disappointment with the delays in reuniting her family in a safer environment. She recounted the harrowing experiences her mother, brother, and nephew endured at the onset of the conflict in Gaza, where their community of Beit Hanoun was devastated by bombings, forcing them to constantly relocate and now live in dire conditions, including makeshift tents.
The deteriorating situation in Gaza, compounded by the lack of access to essentials like food and clean water, has taken a toll on Alzaanin’s diabetic mother, who has lost a significant amount of weight due to inadequate nutrition and healthcare services. Expressing concern for her family’s well-being, Alzaanin emphasized the urgency of bringing them to Canada for a more stable and secure life.
Recent data from the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada revealed that 880 individuals have been successfully relocated to Canada under the special measures program designed for extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Gaza. However, with a cap of 5,000 applications, concerns have been raised about the slow pace of the immigration process, hindering families like Alzaanin’s from reuniting.
Halifax lawyer Asaf Rashid criticized the limited progress of the program, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in conflict zones in completing necessary application procedures. Meanwhile, individuals like Wassim Obeid, who is striving to bring 15 family members to Halifax, expressed optimism that the recent ceasefire agreement could facilitate the application process, albeit acknowledging the long road to recovery and rebuilding in Gaza.
Despite the obstacles, Alzaanin remains determined to advocate for her family and fellow Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to ensure their safety and well-being amid the ongoing crisis.
