Family arrives safely in Calgary after escaping the war in Gaza
It was a long-awaited reunion at the Calgary International Airport Saturday as Ossama Zaqqout hugged his parents, who had just arrived after fleeing the war in Gaza.
Zaqqout had been trying for months to get his parents to safety.
“My parents has been displaced several times within Gaza,” Zaqqout says.
“About two months I haven't heard at all from my parents and my family, because of communication issues, and there is no internet, there is no communication, " he says.
This is the first time since October 7, 2023 that a Calgarian's family members arrived in our city as family sponsored refugees from Gaza.
“It's a mixed feeling. I'm overwhelmed with happiness to see my father,” Zaqqout says.
“I'm overwhelmed with knowing that the Government of Canada is not going to offer us much support.”
This family, like many others, received no government support in navigating the logistics of exit fees, which can cost more than $6,800 Canadian. Refugees are also responsible for covering other costs, like accommodations in Egypt while they await their visas approval.
The financial burden of escaping the violence has prompted many in the Palestinian community to call on the Canadian government to do more to support the safe exit of residents and citizens trapped in Gaza.
The past six or seven months have been overwhelming and full of anxiety for Zaqqout and his family.
“To wake up every day, knowing that a cousin has been killed or injured, a family member has been affected -- my wife lost 11 members of her family -- to know that a friend or a colleague I used to work with in the past has been also killed or injured, it's become like a daily routine for us and that's not healthy," he said.
Zaqqout’s brother and his family received their visas and are scheduled to arrive in Calgary in mid-May.
He remains hopeful members of his wife’s family will also soon get their visas and make their way to Canada by the end of May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.