The Alhashemi family, originally from Iraq, has faced significant challenges in their pursuit of asylum in Europe over the past 15 years. After struggling with legal limbo and facing deportation threats, the family’s plight intensified when they attempted a dangerous journey across the English Channel in April 2024. Tragically, their seven-year-old daughter, Sara, suffocated in a crush as they boarded a small boat, an incident that garnered attention when it was witnessed by reporters on a French beach.
In the months that followed, Ahmed Alhashemi received an email from a French refugee agency while the family was staying temporarily in Rouvroy, a town in northern France. This communication marked a turning point for the Alhashemis, who have been moving between countries but have not yet found a stable home. Ahmed, 42, and his wife Nour, 35, both fled Iraq due to threats linked to the regime of Saddam Hussein and local militias. Nour’s siblings were granted asylum in Sweden, but she chose to stay in Belgium where she met Ahmed, leading to a different life path.
The family initially sought asylum in Belgium and later made their way to Sweden, but their requests were repeatedly denied, with authorities insisting their home city of Basra was safe. This led Ahmed to contact a smuggling group to facilitate another attempt to reach England, resulting in the tragic loss of Sara.
After many bureaucratic hurdles, the family was recently granted provisional asylum in France, allowing them a renewed sense of stability. In their new apartment, the family is beginning to view the future more positively, with Ahmed planning to start a small business and Nour expressing a desire to open a bakery. Recently, Nour gave birth to another daughter, Sally, who symbolizes hope for the family’s future. The Alhashemi family’s journey raises questions about the complexities of seeking asylum and the risks some individuals take in pursuit of safety and stability.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d7l2pvdrro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss