Palestinians look for survivors following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Fatima Shbair)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Conflict Continues

‘Happiest moment of my life’: P.A. family escapes Gaza unscathed

Nov 14, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A Prince Albert man will soon be reunited with his family who were trapped in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Abdullah Algherbawi’s wife, three sons, and daughter officially crossed the border into Egypt on Sunday after being stranded in the territory for over a month. They’re five of the 356 Canadians, permanent residents, and eligible family members able to escape since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7.

Algherbawi told paNOW he was overcome with emotion when his wife called to say they made it across the border.

“The happiest moment of my life,” he said.

It may only be on the top of the list for a few days as Algherbawi’s family will officially arrive back in Canada on Nov. 21.

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It’s a moment that he’s been dreaming about for the past five weeks.

“I imagine when I’m seeing them that I’m hugging my little daughter, my boys, and my wife. It will be a fantastic moment for me,” he said.

Staying in contact was a problem for Algherbawi during the whole ordeal.

It would be a few days in between calls but every time he and his wife would connect, the conservation would start with her saying they were all alive. She would also give him updates on their situation which were terrifying, to say the least.

“Around seven or eight times, they were racing from one house to another (place). There was no place safe for them. There were fears about what was happening around them,” added Algherbawi.

The nightmare isn’t quite finished for Algherbawi as he still has family in Gaza. That’s why his wife and kids were in Gaza as they were visiting relatives they hadn’t seen for years.

Those who call Gaza home are unable to leave. Algherbawi said when he’s able to connect with relatives over the phone the only positive update he gets is that they’re alive.

“It’s like someone waiting for the last moments of his life… I can’t imagine that,” said Algherbawi.

His family continues to struggle to get food and water. They were able to get water recently after collecting rainwater.

Members of Algherbawi’s family drinking rainwater. (submitted photo/Abdullah Algherbawi)

Algherbawi explained it’s hard to comprehend people are living like this, especially members of his family.

“They’re human. Everyone should be asking for a ceasefire because it’s hard for them to continue like that.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow