Ibrahim Saleh Al Atmeh is coming to Canada!  After at least 17 hours travel, he will arrive in Toronto at 6:40 pm on Thursday, November 26.  This is great news even if he is landing in the middle of a pandemic hotspot.

Much of the immediate planning is in place.  We have reserved a kitchen unit at Visitors Inn, directly across Main Street from the Al Atmeh’s building. We have arranged for an interpreter to meet with us at the airport, and another to assist at the inn.  Al will be at the airport to assist with documentation.  Dale Anderson has agreed to drive Ibrahim from the airport to the inn.  (A snag with transportation is that it must be a private vehicle, (not a taxi, limo or bus) and the driver may have to quarantine as well if Ibrahim tests positive for COVID 19. (This latter has made it difficult to find a driver; thank you Dale for the risk.)  Ibrahim will be tested before boarding and upon arriving.

There are still things to do.  We need to connect with Public Health to arrange for reporting Ibrahim’s condition during quarantine and about testing for COVID.  Heather has agreed to help arrange for OHIP and any other necessary documentation.

We need to ensure that Ibrahim is properly fed and cared for while in quarantine for 14 days.  The inn will provide bedding and linen changes left at the door, and can deliver food from their restaurant in the same way, but cost and food quality will be a factor.  I’m sure Randa will want to provide food, but it will be costly for them to do it all.  If you want to contribute food or funds to help the family with the new food costs Ruby has agreed to be the go to person for that.  Al will talk with Randa about foods that would be suitable and place that information in the next News and Notes.

I anticipate further challenges, but no matter the challenges this is great news!