Canadian families trapped in Lebanon plead for evacuation as violence escalates; concern grows among Lebanese and Arab diaspora in Canada

A Canadian citizen stranded in Lebanon with his family is pleading for evacuation as Israeli airstrikes continue to hit areas near Beirut, deepening fears among thousands of Canadians with roots in the region.

Jalal Tabaja, a father of four Canadian children, said he has relocated his family to a hotel in a quieter area north of Beirut, but nowhere feels safe as explosions echo across the capital. Tabaja, who lost both parents last week when their car was struck by an Israeli bomb, said he has been told that his family could get seats on a government-arranged evacuation flight on Sunday but is still awaiting confirmation.

Global Affairs Canada says it is working to help Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members flee as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. Officials estimate that about 25,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon, with 5,000 requesting assistance and 2,300 already contacted to secure seats on government-chartered commercial flights.

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration reports that more than 1,600 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in Lebanon in recent weeks.

The escalating conflict has caused deep anxiety within Canada’s Lebanese, Arab, and Muslim communities, particularly in cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary, where many families have relatives in Lebanon. Community organizations have urged Ottawa to expand evacuation flights and ensure temporary housing and consular support for returning Canadians.

“I’m grateful to the Canadian government for helping, but the process is slow,” Tabaja said. “People are terrified - we just want to come home safely.”