JEDDAH: A petition that was started by a Syrian Londoner calling to reunite parents of a Syrian refugee, who was a victim of the recent Grenfell Tower inferno in London, attracted over 93,000 signatures (at the time of this filing).
Mohammed Al-Haj Ali, 23, fled the war in Syria only to die in the fire that engulfed the 24-story tower block in west London.
The Home Office announced on Sunday that they would assist the parents of Al-Haj Ali to come to the UK to attend their son Mohammed’s funeral and visit their children Omar, who was admitted to a hospital, and Hesham, after five years of separation.
London-based Mirna Ayoubi, a friend of Al-Haj Ali family, launched the petition on Change.Org. She posted on Sunday saying: “We managed to make a difference in the world and hopefully reunite Omar and Hesham Al-Haj Ali with their family in Syria.”
According to the petition, the brothers had not seen their family in five years and were “forced to limit communication to ensure their safety amid the crackdown against the opposition.”
Mohammed, and his two brothers, Omar, 25, and Hesham, 20, came to London seeking a better future away from the conflict in their home in Daraa, in the south of Syria.
Mohammed’s last words to his brother Omar were reportedly: “The smoke is getting in … we are going to die.”
The Home Office on Sunday said that it would offer advice on issuing emergency visas to those who are directly affected by Grenfell Tower fire.
A visa help line is now available as the Home Office published information on its website urging people directly affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower, who are seeking guidance on UK passports, visa or immigration, to call the advice hotline (+443002220000).
Petition launched to reunite family of Syrian Londoner who died in Grenfell Tower fire
Petition launched to reunite family of Syrian Londoner who died in Grenfell Tower fire
