Palestinian-Canadians in B.C. plead for help as families trapped in Gaza await resettlement

Two Palestinian-Canadian families in British Columbia are raising alarm over delays in Canada’s humanitarian resettlement program, saying their relatives remain trapped in Gaza under life-threatening conditions.

Coquitlam resident Saadiya Joha applied in 2024 to bring her parents, siblings, and their children to safety. She says her 83-year-old father’s health is failing without medication for diabetes and heart disease, while her sister struggles to find food for her children, including 14-month-old Leen, who was born in a tent.

“They are dying slowly,” Joha said. “There is no food. There is no medication. There is no clean water.”

On Monday, Joha joined supporters outside Liberal MP Ron McKinnon’s office, demanding urgent action. “No more waiting, no more tears, bring our families over here,” they chanted, waving Palestinian flags.

Immigration lawyer Hana Marku is now petitioning federal court to compel Ottawa to speed up the process. She represents 50 Palestinians with relatives in Canada and says many may not survive the wait. “Our clients don’t have that kind of time,” she said.

Canada’s special program, launched in December 2023, capped applications at 5,000. Fewer than 900 people have actually arrived in Canada so far. Immigration officials say the biggest obstacle is getting people out of Gaza to complete biometrics in a third country, as the Rafah border crossing has been closed since May 2024.

For Surrey resident Nariman Ajjur, the delays are devastating. Her father and sister-in-law’s family have passed security screening but remain stuck. “Other countries have evacuated their citizens’ relatives,” she said. “Why can’t ours?”

Ajjur lost her brother when a missile struck his home, leaving behind his wife and young son. She says her nephew, who once smiled constantly, has been left traumatized. “Each day is a nightmare,” she said through tears. “I don’t know if my family will live for tomorrow.”