I have previously blogged about Ismail here.
Ismail fled unspeakable violence and persecution in Somalia. He was kidnapped, his father was murdered, his mother disappeared. He spent two years tortured, and eventually escaped, only to end up on Manus Island in 2013. He has been on Manus Island for six years, trapped.
The Australian government has deliberately kept the people on Manus Island as a deterrent to so-called ‘boat people’, in a clear breach of international law. It has not attempted to resettle them in any way.
Greg Martin from Martin Bullock Lawyers is attempting to raise $20,000.00 to assist Ismail to get to Canada. Canada has a community sponsorship program, whereby if you can obtain five sponsors and $20,000.00, we should be able to get him to Canada.
It is a large sum of money, but considering the Australian government spends $573,000.00 per refugee per year on Manus Island and Nauru, in excess of $9 billion over the last six years, it is a drop in the ocean.
The three most famous refugees of all time are Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Fleeing persecution from King Herod, they fled to Egypt where they lived for several years before they returned to raise Jesus in Nazareth, Galilee.
Here is your opportunity. You can do something good, and perhaps restore a little faith in our democracy.
Here is a link to where you can donate to help Ismail get a new life in Canada. Read his full story here – he is a young man who has endured horrific hardship yet maintains his hope and belief in humanity. He will never come to Australia, but we may be able to get him to Canada.
Our principal solicitor Greg Martin notes:
“Ismail is going okay in Melbourne and he has had an appointment with the IHMS for his health problems. He can’t leave the hotel and is guarded 24/7. I told him about the donations and he was lost for words and said he didn’t how he was going to pay everyone back. I told him that no one expects to be paid back and that I would send his thanks on. I also reassured him that the people donating would be so glad that they could do something so positive and helpful.”
Ismail himself said:
“Thanks dear Greg hopefully we will make this happen. I am really grateful for your help, it is my only hope, I have nothing else left, I know this government intended to keep us as hostage forever till we die or go [to] back the danger I fled.”
Please give generously. As at 16 December 2019, we have raised in excess of $16,500.00. We only need another $3,500.00 to get him to Canada. Let’s do it.