Bringing Najlaa's Family to Safety in Canada

To all compassionate souls,

In this moment of profound vulnerability, I find myself reaching out to you not merely for words, thoughts, or prayers, but for something far more profound: your unwavering support through tangible actions. My heart aches for the embrace of my family, and I am compelled to implore your assistance.

I am Najlaa Alzaanin from Beit Hanoun town, Gaza Strip, Palestine. I arrived in Canada in August 2019 for a study program and, unfortunately, couldn't return after its completion due to Israeli restrictions on movement at the Palestinian-Israeli borders (Erez). I am currently residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Regrettably, I haven't had the chance to see my family since 2019.

In light of Canada's announcement of a new immigration measure on December 22nd, 2023, to facilitate temporary resident visas for Canadians and Permanent Residents' extended families affected by the crisis in Gaza. I wish to apply through this program to sponsor my family and provide them with a haven. I am reaching out to you with a plea for help in reuniting my separated family. I need your support to bring my family to the safety of Canada, a place where they can rebuild their lives, free from the shadows of fear and uncertainty.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/gaza-extended-family-2023.html

This program comes with significant financial implications, as they will require temporary accommodations and food when evacuated to Egypt, flights from Egypt to Canada, housing support, and many other necessities once they arrive (more financial details outlined below). I have to take care of them for the first year and until they settle down and find jobs and some social stability. I am reaching out to you for your invaluable support.

The situation in Gaza:

Since the onset of the war in Gaza on October 7, the people of Gaza have endured relentless bombardment, living in dire conditions without access to necessities such as water, food, and shelter. Like many displaced people, amidst the chaos of war, my family is struggling to survive. My family fled Beit Hanoun, which was devastated by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, including the destruction of our own homes. They sought refuge in the Jabalia refugee camp where they encountered many bombings until the house where they were staying was bombed, resulting in injuries to my brother and his wife. Subsequently, they sought shelter in the Nuseirat camp in the central area of Gaza, where they now reside in a single room inside a school housing thousands of displaced people from various areas. It is this heartbreaking reality that fuels my urgency to shield my family from further trauma, and to bring them to safety.

Pictures of my family’s houses that were destroyed in Beit Hanoun.

About My Family:

My family consists of my mother Somaya, two sisters Asmaa and Duaa, and four brothers Khalil, Mohammad, Abd Alrahman, Omar Almukhtar, four spouses, three nephews, and seven nieces. Each of them had a life they enjoyed and dreams they aspired to achieve.

My mother, she is 60 years old. When she was 43 years old, she had to take the responsibility of raising seven children alone after my father's martyrdom in 2006 due to an Israeli army airstrike on his car. Despite all the challenges she faced and losing our house 3 times (2006, 2014, 2021) due to continuous Israeli aggression on Gaza, she was able to overcome these hardships and supported me and my siblings to be successful people.

My sister Duaa, 25 years old, graduated last year in physical therapy and began practicing her profession, treating children born with certain motor disabilities. Duaa aspired to continue her studies and obtain a master's degree while simultaneously studying English to improve her chances outside Gaza.

My mom and Doaa my youngest sister

My mom and my sister during the war in the shelter 

My sister Asmaa, 40 years old, was a graphic designer, happily living with her beautiful family. Her son Bashar, 20 years old, was in his second year at university studying electronic marketing.

My niece Sarah, 17 years old, was an outstanding student throughout high school and aspired to finish this stage and join a university in Egypt. However, the war shattered her dreams, as all schools in Gaza were destroyed, and there was no education available at the moment.

My other two nieces Mariam, 13 years old, and Hawa (Eve), 9 years old, lost the opportunity to continue their education due to the war.

My sister Asma with her family (Bashar, Sarah and Hawa) before the war

My niece Hawa with her cat in the shelter 

My brother Khalil, 36 years old, was a sports coach and a government employee, enjoying his work. His lovely family is Haneen, his wife, who is a homemaker, and their children.

My niece Gena, 6 years old, was very excited about starting the first grade, wearing her school uniform, and carrying her school bag. After the war, she told me that she saw a video of the school being bombed and that she wouldn't be able to study and learn new things.

My niece Jana, 4 years old, loved going to preschool and playing with her friends. My nephew Khaled is only two years old and was very ambitious about riding his bicycle, which he lost in the destroyed house.

My nieces Ghena, Jana, my nephew Khaled before the war 

My nephew Khaled in the shelter

My nephew, baby Ghaith who was born April 2024  during the war in the tent 

My brother Mohammad, 34 years old, was a mechatronics engineer but had to work as a waiter in a restaurant to support his family due to a lack of job opportunities in his field. His wife Safad was a physical therapist, enjoying her work in helping people alleviate their pain.

They have a five-year-old son, Khalid, in preschool, who is enthusiastic about playing football and dreams of being a famous player. Now he can't go to kindergarten and play football with his friends. The three-year-old twins, Mariana and Marita, were energetic and learning new games.

My nephew Khaled (the big khaled) and his twins sisters, Marian and Marita before the war

My nieces Mariana and Marita in the shelter 

My brother Omar Almukhtar, 28 years old, and his wife Yasmin, had just started their life as a married couple last year and were very happy. Omar worked as a barber and had his shop, but he lost it due to Israeli airstrikes. He and his wife were injured in the bombing of the house they were living in in Jabalia camp, and they were rescued from under the rubble with serious injuries, while Yasmin's mother and grandmother were killed.

My brother, Omar in his Salon before the war

My brother Abed Alrahman, 32 years old, loved farming and taking care of the farm. Before the war, he cultivated winter crops and some olive and fig trees, finding joy in each harvest of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil. He was in the last stage of building his house and was looking to get engaged. Unfortunately, the Israeli airstrike destroyed his house and his dreams. In addition, the agricultural land and the farm we owned were destroyed by the Israeli bulldozers, and Abed Alrahman and my family lost their livelihood.

My brother Abed Alrahman harvests our olive trees before the war 

The situation in Gaza after the War:

The Wall Street Journal reported that experts analyzing satellite data found that 70% of homes in Gaza were either damaged or completely destroyed. In northern Gaza alone, 80% of buildings were affected, including my hometown Beit Hanoun. Moreover, an analysis by the Norwegian Refugee Council revealed that debris removal after the war will take at least a year. Rebuilding homes in the sector is estimated to require seven to ten years, provided there is funding, with the reconstruction cost reaching $3.5 billion.

Your Donation contribution effect:

Your generous support for this cause holds the potential to reunite my family, ensuring their safety and providing a haven for souls grappling with overwhelming challenges. Each contribution serves as a building block, guiding us toward the moment when our family is once again complete and safe.

Your donation will be allocated to:

1. Covering the expenses of accommodation in Cairo, Egypt, throughout the visa and biometric process.

2. Meeting the cost of flight tickets from Cairo to Canada.

3. Securing affordable and suitable housing.

4. Addressing monthly necessities such as groceries, utilities, clothing, and shoes.

5. Ensuring access to healthcare and therapy, crucial for the well-being of our family members.

6. Providing monthly financial support until they secure employment.

Kindly don't let this appeal end with you; share it with your family, friends, your network, and social media.

Your kind donation is not just a contribution; it is a lifeline connecting us to the warmth of a future free from fear. You, dear friend, are the source of light that pierces through our darkest hour; we are eternally grateful for that.

With a heart brimming with gratitude and hope,

Thank you

Some pics of my family’s life now in the shelter