Iranians in Edmonton fear for safety of loved ones as conflict grows

As the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, Iranian students at the University of Alberta say that they know of at least 15 students stuck in Iran who have been cut off from communication.

“I think two days ago was the last time,” said Sara Shani, the president of the Iranian Students Association at the University of Alberta, when speaking about the last time she spoke to her mother in Iran, as internet and communication lines have been down in the country for the past two days.

Iranians in Edmonton have been left watching chaotic images of the destruction in their home country through media, as the deadly conflict with Israel continues, fearing for the safety of their loved ones.

The Canadian government has pledged to help Canadians fleeing from Iran and Israel by providing flights from neighbouring countries.

Shani says she knows of at least 15 U of A students who are stuck in Iran. The group is calling on university leaders to support students as well, saying some are cut off financially.

“Just providing support for those students, trying to keep their funding, let their supervisors know that they are stuck in the country and they can’t really do any work,” Shani explained.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told the media Thursday his government stands by Israel in its right to defend itself, while pushing for peace and stability in the Middle East.

“We join others in looking forward to a resolution of this crisis. That ensures there is not a nuclear weapon or nuclear capacity in Iran,” said Carney.

As the two countries fire at each other, those representing Iranians in Edmonton say a regime change in the country has to come from within.

“Iran’s people have been working towards that goal, but if that needs to happen, it has to happen by Iran’s people,” said Kamyar Pooyeh, the secretary of the Iranian Heritage Society.

For others like Shani, she hopes this is the push for permanent change in Iran.

“I don’t think people can do it by themselves. They’ve been trying so many times, but they are feeling a little bit relieved.”