At Calgary International Airport, Attaf Rsheidat joyfully shouted “Habibi!” – an expression of love – as she embraced her daughter, Baraah Mohammad, along with her son-in-law and two young grandchildren, who had just arrived in Canada for the first time. The heartwarming reunion marked the end of a long journey that began almost a decade ago when some members of the Syrian family fled their war-torn homeland, seeking refuge in Jordan before eventually settling in Alberta.
Overwhelmed with emotions, Rsheidat, now residing in Lethbridge, Alberta, expressed her happiness at having her daughter and all her children together in one place after years of separation. The anticipation of the reunion kept her awake the night before, filled with thoughts of a long-awaited family gathering.
Baraah, speaking through her brother Abdullah as a translator, described the moment as the best day of her life, expressing disbelief that it was finally becoming a reality. The family’s journey to Canada began in 2016 when Rsheidat, her husband Tamer, and three of their children arrived as government-sponsored refugees under a special resettlement program aimed at assisting Syrian refugees.
Unfortunately, Baraah and her husband Raed faced challenges in their immigration process, encountering delays and rejections due to various reasons, including concerns about social media activity. Despite these setbacks, the family persevered, with lawyers working on their case pro bono to navigate the complex immigration system.
Living as refugees in Jordan, Baraah and Raed faced financial struggles and limited access to essential services, making their journey to Canada even more challenging. Tragically, Baraah’s father passed away without reuniting with his daughter and meeting his grandchildren, adding to the family’s hardships.
After years of hardships, rejections, and legal battles, Baraah and her family were finally granted approval to settle in Canada on humanitarian grounds. This approval brought a mix of emotions but signaled a new beginning for the family as they started their journey to build a new life in their new home.
At the airport, Baraah’s brother, Mohammad Mohammad, eagerly prepared for their arrival, setting up a new home in Lethbridge and eagerly awaiting the chance to introduce his sister and her family to their new surroundings. For Rsheidat, having her family together at last brought a sense of completeness and joy, as they embarked on a new chapter in Canada.