Mohammed Alzaza was a 15-year-old Palestinian teenager in Gaza when he and his 12-year-old cousin were hit by an Israeli drone strike while playing outdoors.  His cousin was killed; Mohammed’s injuries were so severe he required 22 surgeries in Israel, Gaza, Egypt, and Turkey, where he now desperately waits for his sponsorship approval to come to Canada for the medical care he urgently requires. His application to come here is already well beyond the average processing times for a privately sponsored refugee application.

Despite these obstacles, he completed his high school, but  could not go to university because of  ongoing chronic pain in his hand, legs and abdomen.  He suffers Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) both from the drone strike and because during his last attempt to receive surgery in Israel, he was tortured by Israeli authorities.

Fortunately, with financial assistance from the international community, Mohammed was finally able to get to Cairo and subsequently to Turkey three years ago.  He sought protection there and was hopeful that he could get healthcare, find a way to study and work, and begin his new life.  Unfortunately, he only had a tourist visa and was therefore not eligible for healthcare. In addition, he was in too much pain to study. His Turkish visa has now expired, making any attempt to get medical support even more difficult. He is basically unable to leave his room.

Independent Jewish Voices Vancouver, in conjunction with the BC Muslim Association, applied to bring Mohammed to Canada as a privately sponsored refugee, and his application was approved in January 2021.

Since then he has been waiting for the Canadian embassy in Ankara to grant him permission to come to Canada.  Meanwhile, his medical condition, both physically and mentally, has seriously deteriorated.  His inability to get proper medical support, especially surgery, has left him in extreme pain and despair.  He is unable to go out, and he can barely walk any longer, while he is also losing sensation in various parts of his body.  His most recent medical report in Turkey highlighted the need for him to have surgery as soon as possible. 

A physician who has been voluntarily consulting with Mohammed writes that he urgently needs a Burns Specialist/Plastic Surgeon’s review in addition to an Orthopedic Surgeon’s consultation.  The doctor expressed concern that Mohammed’s continued isolation and lack of medical attention is severely detrimental to both his physical and mental health.

Several members of Parliament have written letters to the Canadian embassy in Ankara supporting a quick expediting of his case, given his dire situation.  MP Jenny Kwan, Immigration critic for the NDP, has also written a letter directly to the Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, pleading with the government to show compassion and expedite the process.

Independent Jewish Voices (Vancouver) and the B.C. Muslim Association are eagerly awaiting Mohammed's arrival, and are happy to provide him with all the medical and financial support he so desperately needs. 

Please immediately and urgently expedite Mohammed’s sponsorship application so he can come to Canada and get the medical attention he so desperately needs to end his pain and isolation and allow him to begin a new life.