A Palestinian woman residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is urging the Canadian government to intensify its efforts in facilitating the safe evacuation of individuals from conflict-ridden Gaza. This appeal comes approximately 20 months after she applied to bring her family to Canada through a temporary visa initiative.
Najlaa Alzaanin, who has been separated from 23 family members since relocating to Canada in 2019, is eagerly awaiting updates on her petition to relocate her relatives to Canada under the federal government’s specialized program.
Expressing her distress, Alzaanin emphasized, “Canada is failing to honor the commitment it made, leaving our families stranded in unsafe conditions.” Recounting the harrowing experiences her mother, brother, and nephew endured during the conflict, she highlighted the continuous displacement her family has faced since their hometown of Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, renowned for its olive farming, was devastated by bombardments.
Alzaanin lamented the dire circumstances her family is enduring, with most now forced to seek refuge in tents due to the destruction of their community. Witnessing their plight, she expressed, “It deeply saddens me to see my family suffer through this crisis. I feel helpless.”
According to the Gaza health ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict that ensued after Israel’s offensive following a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages, as reported by Israel. Despite a recent UN inquiry alleging Israel of genocide, a claim Israel refutes, tensions persist.
Alzaanin’s primary worry revolves around her 62-year-old diabetic mother’s deteriorating health, exacerbated by the scarcity of essential medications, food, and clean water. She disclosed, “My mother’s weight has plummeted from 150 pounds to a mere 100 pounds due to inadequate nutrition suitable for her health needs.”
Although relieved by the initial steps towards a peace agreement, she remains hopeful that her family will soon reunite with her in Canada, offering them a more stable environment.
Canada Witnesses Arrival of 880 Individuals via Program
The Special Measures Program, initiated by the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in January 2024, targets extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza. With an application cap of 5,000, the department reported that as of July 29, 880 individuals have successfully relocated to Canada under the program, with an additional 400 beneficiaries arriving through alternative avenues.
Commenting on the low numbers, Halifax-based lawyer Asaf Rashid from the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians-Canada criticized, “The figures are dismally inadequate, reflecting poorly on Canada’s purported commitment to a genuine immigration initiative.”
Rashid highlighted the logistical challenges faced by individuals in conflict zones when navigating the application process. Wassim Obeid, striving to relocate 15