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
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.