Province holds formal event marking arrival of Gazan families
Premier Wab Kinew says Manitoba is taking early steps toward welcoming a third family from Gaza, as the province marked the arrival of two Gazan families earlier this year with a formal event hosted by the Manitoba Islamic Association.
'Right at the start of the process, but we've started the process of working with the medical experts who are volunteering their time here in Manitoba,' Kinew said. 'Now that we've done it a few times, there is effectively a pathway open.'
The first family — a mother and her 11-year-old son — arrived in Winnipeg in January. The second, including a young boy, his two younger siblings, their mother, and grandmother, arrived in May.
Since their arrival, both boys have undergone medical procedures and attended multiple appointments.
Kinew said the arrivals came after a detailed process involving consultations to identify families in displaced from Gaza with medical needs that could be met by Manitoba's health-care system. He also noted there were 'serious' security screenings and paperwork to navigate international travel requirements.
Ruheen Aziz, vice-chair of the Manitoba Islamic Association, said the goal is to continue expanding support to more families.
'These kids need a lot of treatment, a lot of medical care, along with the family,' Aziz said. 'They are medical concerns. They were identified with Doctors Without Borders in Eqypt. We know that the care they require is extensive. That's all I can share on that front. They are adjusting well to the Winnipeg community, the school system, the larger community as well. They're happy to be here.'
The children range in age from nine to 12. Both families still have relatives — including husbands and children — left behind in Gaza and Egypt. Kinew acknowledged that the security situation has limited who can be brought over.
'Beyond that, it's not a provincial issue,' he said. 'There really is a limit to what a province can do.'
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Aziz called the support from Winnipeg's Islamic community 'very humbling.' The families have received an outpouring of donations, including clothes, food, and gifts. Community members have also helped with transportation and translation.
During the event, MIA chair Hakim Ghulam and Sheikh Ismael Mukhtar welcomed the families and urged political leaders to take a principled approach to the conflict in the Middle East.
'Do not be pro-Palestinian, do not be pro-Israel, don't be pro-Jews, do not be pro-Muslims,' he said. 'Stand for justice, stand for peace, stand for fairness. Perhaps this is a small step, and perhaps we can do more.'
Added Ghulam: 'We need to stand up at this time and become the voice of the voiceless people. And we need to stand up and help to alleviate the suffering that is going on.'
scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca
Scott BilleckReporter
Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade's worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott.
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