IOM Ireland 348d ago

A Syrian family, separated by war for eight years, has reunited in Ireland with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Irish Red Cross, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Syrian family's movement from Lebanon to Ireland is part of an initiative aimed at reuniting families affected by conflict and displacement. "The first thing I want to do when I arrive in Ireland, is to visit my sister Dlava's grave," said Jihan before starting her journey to Ireland on 31 January 2024. The family, hailing from northeast Syria, embarked on a long-awaited journey to reunite with Jihan’s parents and siblings in Ireland six months after Jihan’s sister Dlava tragically lost her life in a car accident. The devastating event had deeply impacted Jihan’s family, generating a huge wave of support and solidarity from the entire Irish Syrian community in Ireland. While they cannot fill the void left by Dlava's absence, Jihan, her husband, and their three children are optimistic about the new chapter they are about to begin, surrounded by loved ones, in Ireland. With the family reunited, there is a sense of joy and hope in the air. A community took place on Friday, 9 February 2024, in Clones, Co Monaghan, to celebrate the family's reunion. Clones holds special significance as the town where the family first lived when they arrived in Ireland in 2018. IOM, the Irish Red Cross and ICRC extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making this reunion possible. This story underscores the power of compassion and collaboration in reuniting families and providing hope to those seeking refuge and a better life.