A young Yazidi boy who was captured and released by ISIS is now on Canadian soil.
Emad Mishko Tamo,12, was able to hug his family early Thursday morning at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
It has been nearly three years since Tamo last saw his mother, after the family’s village was attacked by militants in 2014.
When he was released by ISIS this year, a relative recognized the boy in a photo posted to social media.
Tamo’s mother and family met him privately behind airport security before being welcomed by cheers from crowds of supporters.
While surrounded by family and friends, Tamo spoke few words but said thank you to Canada.
“I am happy,” said Tamo through a translator. “I am very thankful for everyone that had anything to do with me being reunited with my mother.”
Taman’s mother Nofa Mihlo Zaghla, stood by her son’s side as they held a sign thanking the Canadian government and Steve Maman, founder The Liberation of Christian and Yazidi Children of Iraq.
“I wasn’t sure I was ever going to see him again. But I was still hopeful, I was never doubtful,” said Zaghla through a translator.
“I want him to share his story all over the world in all countries, because of what he’s been thourhg, so that everyone knows what people are still going through,” said Zaghla.
Tamo suffers from psychological trauma and has bullet wounds, and will be receiving medical attention now that he is in Winnipeg. He will also be preparing to attend school.
“We thank all the people who made this happen,” said Hadji Hesso, Director of the Yazidi Association of Manitoba.
The Yazidi Association of Manitoba hopes this will be the beginning for more Yazidi refugees to come to Canada.
