Calgary airport hosts tearful reunion for Afghan refugees: ‘My family is free’ | 24CA News

World
Published 09.03.2024
Calgary airport hosts tearful reunion for Afghan refugees: ‘My family is free’  | 24CA News

At the worldwide arrivals gate at Calgary International Airport, Ahmadullah Yaqoobi paced backwards and forwards Friday morning, carrying three bouquets of flowers.

“For one daughter, another… and this is for my wife,” he beamed.

He hasn’t seen his household since his sudden departure from Afghanistan about three years in the past.

As a authorities employee, he was one among over 40,000 refugees fleeing violence underneath the Taliban takeover in 2021. His youngest daughter was solely ten days previous.

“(They) told me you can bring your family after three months, four months…” stated Yaqoobi.  “But I don’t have a choice because Afghanistan, for me, was very difficult.”


Click to play video: 'Calgarians who lived and worked in Afghanistan raise awareness about Taliban'

Calgarians who lived and labored in Afghanistan increase consciousness about Taliban


One by one, 333 refugees stepped by means of the worldwide gates round 8 a.m. Yaqoobi arrived hours earlier than.

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The newcomers had been greeted by Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, providing speedy medical help, meals and shelter to the drained vacationers.


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About 40 of the brand new arrivals will keep in Calgary, whereas the remainder transfer on to locations throughout Canada.

“Housing is still the number one challenge because of the crisis we are facing in Calgary,” stated Fatima Mansouri, the resettlement assistant program supervisor with CCIS.

“I would say because of the experience we have and the relationship we established with some management companies and landlords over the years, I feel confident that in a timely manner we can find accommodation for all the clients.”

In honour of International Women’s Day, CCIS can also be handing out flowers for ladies and daughters. It’s a proposal of hope, respect and the promise of a brand new starting in a rustic the place their rights, voices and contributions are valued and celebrated.

“Over the years, any refugee that comes to a new country is to ensure safety for their family,” stated Mansouri. “But also, education is the main reason for a lot of people.”

“In Afghanistan, daughters don’t go to school,” added Yaqoobi. “Now, my daughter coming here can go to school.

“My family is free and can go everyplace. I am very happy for that.”

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And glad is probably going an understatement to explain this tearful reunion. Yaqoobi ran to fulfill his spouse and daughters as they exited the gate, for a long-awaited embrace.

His new child daughter is now three. The different is six. Both are keen to begin life as a household with a shiny Canadian future.


Click to play video: 'Refugees from Afghanistan begin to arrive in Edmonton and Calgary'

Refugees from Afghanistan start to reach in Edmonton and Calgary


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