A determined 10-year-old boy from Edmonton is on a mission to reunite with his father in war-torn Gaza. Rashid Abusalim has taken his father’s case to his local member of Parliament and even considered a hunger strike. He keeps awards, letters, and mementos in a box, eagerly waiting for the day he can share them with his dad, Saed Abusalim.
Currently, their only means of communication is through sporadic video calls whenever his father can access a Wi-Fi connection amidst the turmoil of conflict. Rashid expressed his sadness over missing precious moments with his father, such as birthday celebrations, taekwondo achievements, and shared gaming experiences.
The Abusalim family, originally from Palestine, made the decision to relocate to Canada when Rashid was just two years old. While Rashid and his mother, Saloumi Abusalim, successfully obtained refugee status and Canadian citizenship, Saed faced challenges applying for Canadian permanent residency from Gaza due to various obstacles, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite multiple attempts to travel to Egypt for necessary procedures, Saed was repeatedly denied entry amid escalating tensions. Saloumi highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the lack of medical supplies and the constant threat to her husband’s well-being. The family remains separated, with Saloumi trying to maintain a positive front for Rashid, who struggles to understand the prolonged separation.
Efforts to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles for entry into Canada have been met with difficulties, particularly the biometrics requirement. Organizations like the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council have raised concerns over the obstacles faced by Palestinians seeking refuge in Canada. The situation has been further complicated by global events, with calls for expedited action from Canadian authorities to reunite families torn apart by conflict.
Rashid, while finding it challenging to stay optimistic, holds onto the hope of a reunion with his father. Despite the uncertainties, he continues to call out for both parents when returning home from school, yearning for the day when his father will respond.
