Many Palestinians who fled the conflict in Gaza and have since resettled in Montreal, Canada, say they are grateful to be out of harm’s way but are facing significant challenges as they try to rebuild their lives.
One of those, Khaled Alshobaki, a software engineer, arrived in Montreal nearly a year ago with his mother and brother after fleeing war and losing almost everything they owned. Initially, the family received help obtaining work permits and three months of free health care, but that support has since ended, leaving them feeling abandoned and uncertain about the future.
As asylum seekers — not permanent residents or protected refugees — they are ineligible for Quebec’s employment assistance programs, making it difficult to find stable work and support themselves. Another family, speaking anonymously due to fears of reprisals, echoed similar struggles: despite having work permits, they cannot find jobs and cannot rely solely on community support. Both families are taking French classes to improve their prospects, but say they need more sustained support, especially around health care and employment opportunities, so they can truly rebuild their lives after fleeing conflict.
The federal government had announced special measures to help Palestinians enter Canada, including temporary work and study permits, but advocates argue support often falls short of what is needed for long-term stability, access to services and successful integration
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