Bouchra Marbouhi recalled the last time she saw her daughter on the morning of September 26, as she prepared her for school and mentioned her father would pick her up for a sleepover. Marbouhi, aged 31, shared that her daughter had made a birthday card for her upcoming birthday on the 29th, promising to show it to her the next day. Sadly, Marbouhi never received the card.
Since then, Marbouhi has been separated from her five-year-old daughter for over a month after her father, Ahmed ElGammal, took her out of the country against a court order. To protect the child’s identity, CBC News has refrained from disclosing her name.
Expressing her anguish, Marbouhi revealed her deep yearning for her daughter’s presence, reminiscing about her daughter’s scent, voice, and playful demeanor. Marbouhi’s emotional attachment was evident as she held onto her daughter’s stuffed toy, emphasizing how her life felt at a standstill since the separation.
In response to the abduction, authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador issued an arrest warrant for ElGammal on charges of parental abduction in defiance of a custody order. Marbouhi remains anxious about her daughter’s well-being and is determined to bring her back home.
Marbouhi’s distress intensified when ElGammal informed her through text messages, translated from Arabic, that he had taken their daughter out of the country. Initially considering it a hollow threat, Marbouhi rushed to the St. John’s International Airport and reported the incident to the police.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary confirmed receiving a report of the child’s abduction, emphasizing an ongoing investigation to ensure the child’s safety. Despite Marbouhi’s efforts to prevent the abduction with a court order, ElGammal managed to fly out of the country with their daughter, leaving Marbouhi devastated and questioning the efficacy of legal protections.
The situation was further complicated by Marbouhi’s immigration status, as her application for a temporary resident permit was denied shortly before her daughter’s abduction. With legal assistance, she is pursuing a judicial review of the decision to facilitate her return to reunite with her daughter.
Marbouhi’s unwavering determination to secure her daughter’s well-being is evident as she seeks reassurance through wellness checks and international coordination efforts. Despite facing obstacles, Marbouhi remains resolute in her pursuit to bring her daughter back home, emphasizing the emotional void caused by the separation.
As the season transitions and Halloween approaches, Marbouhi’s daughter’s absence is deeply felt, with canceled events at the shelter reflecting the somber reality of their separation. Marbouhi’s poignant plea for her daughter’s return echoes a mother’s unwavering love and longing for her child.
The gravity of the situation underscores the urgency of reuniting Marbouhi with her daughter, highlighting the need for swift action and international cooperation to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.