A man of Palestinian-Canadian descent residing in Brantford, Ontario, is urgently appealing to the Canadian government for assistance in facilitating the transfer of his older brother from Gaza to receive essential medical treatment. Ahmad Abualjedian is striving to instill hope in his brother, Baker Abualjedian, who sustained injuries while engaged in humanitarian work in Gaza as a truck driver. Baker, aged 31, was wounded by shrapnel amidst gunfire, resulting in a significant weight loss of approximately 44 pounds since the incident on August 19.
According to Ahmad, Baker possesses an active immigration application in Canada but requires evacuation from Gaza to finalize the process. Unfortunately, the current situation in Gaza, compounded by border closures due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, hinders Baker from accessing necessary medical care and completing the immigration procedures that demand biometric data submission.
Baker’s health is deteriorating as he struggles to eat adequately, experiences blood loss, high fevers, and faces the risk of poisoning due to his injuries. Ahmad expresses grave concern for his brother’s well-being, emphasizing that without immediate medical intervention within a month, the likelihood of losing Baker is alarmingly high.
Expressing the dire conditions facing Baker’s family, including his wife, Tamam, and their three malnourished children – Sama, Razan, and Baraa – Ahmad highlights the widespread hunger crisis in Gaza. A UN-backed report issued in August highlighted the escalating famine conditions in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire to avert further deterioration.
Ahmad is fervently seeking assistance from Global Affairs Canada to enable the safe passage of Baker for medical treatment. Despite his efforts to engage with the Red Cross to facilitate Baker’s transit, challenges persist as Baker, not being a Canadian citizen, does not meet the criteria for direct governmental support. Ahmad stresses the critical nature of the situation, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of Baker’s injuries and the urgent need for specialized medical attention.
Reflecting on his own positive experience with the Canadian government in the past, particularly in reuniting with his daughter with their assistance, Ahmad expresses a deep emotional connection to Canada and appeals for urgent intervention to save his brother’s life. Amidst the bureaucratic limitations and geopolitical complexities hindering Baker’s evacuation, Ahmad’s plea for compassion and assistance underscores the humanitarian urgency of the situation.
