On Friday, November 9, 2018, Saber and his parents, Amna and Nadhem, Iraqis from Palestine arrived at YVR. Saber is sponsored through the Regional Ecumenical Support Team (REST) and the Diocese of New Westminster. His parents are sponsored through the United Church and by longtime newcomer’s advocate and Camp Artaban supporter, Joanne Graham.
Joanne started working on Saber’s paperwork back in 2015, and his application was submitted in 2016.
The family had been waiting in Turkey and after travelling for two days they will be settling in a Burnaby apartment that Joanne has found for them.
They do have other family members already living in Burnaby who were previously sponsored by the United Church.
REST is made up of members of Anglican and Lutheran Churches (including: St. Agnes, St. Clements, Gloria Dei) in the North Vancouver Deanery with others.
IMAGES
- Group shot, everyone is safe and sound: Nadhem is in the wheelchair, Amna is holding the flowers and Saber is second from right, Joanne Graham is in the middle of the photo
- REST member, Wilna Parry, ODNW entertains a friend while waiting for the arrival of the newcomers
- Amna hugs a member of her family who is already living in Burnaby
- Joanne reaches out to greet Nadhem.
(Prepared with files from Shannon Muir, Chair of the Diocesan Refugee Unite {DRU})