Mona Alatbash leads her family, each carrying a chair or flashlight, to a nearby building in search of a stronger phone signal than the one at their Khan Younis displacement camp tent. During a recent night in southern Gaza, they arrange plastic chairs in a dark corner for a video call with Mona’s sister, Eman, in Cobourg, Ont.
Eman had applied for her family’s admission to Canada through the special measures program for extended family of Palestinian Canadians almost two years ago, but they are still waiting for an update. The family’s applications have been stalled in the security screening phase, causing uncertainty and frustration.
The program, initiated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in January 2024, aimed to reunite extended families separated by conflicts in Gaza with their relatives in Canada. However, the process has been plagued by delays and challenges, leaving many families in limbo.
Eman, who has been living in Canada for a decade, applied for her family’s relocation on the program’s opening day. Despite receiving notification that they were at the biometrics screening phase in April 2024, Eman resorted to paying bribes to smuggle some family members out of Gaza due to the prolonged delays in their visa processing.
The Alatbash family is currently dispersed across Gaza, Cairo, and Cobourg, awaiting approval to reunite in Canada. Eman, who tragically lost her brother in the conflict, is determined to bring her remaining family members to safety in Canada.
Although 880 individuals have successfully relocated to Canada through the program, it has faced challenges due to limited resources and funding constraints. The program’s capacity has been reached, and new applications are no longer being accepted.
Despite the setbacks, Eman remains hopeful for a resolution, as the prolonged separation and uncertainty have taken a toll on her well-being. Her children yearn for the day when their family will be reunited in Canada, praying for their loved ones’ safe arrival with every passing flight overhead.