Two Jewish Yemeni families reunite in UAE after decades apart

  DUBAI – After more than 20 years of separation, two Jewish-Yemeni families have been finally reunited in the UAE in what they called a “dream come true”. The first family of 15 members, were reunited in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (January 10) after UAE authorities arranged the travel of family members from both Yemen and London. Watch the reunion: Yitzhak Fayez, 35, told state news agency WAM that he had not seen his grandparents and uncle since he was a child, after moving to the UK from Yemen. Fayez's grandfather, grandmother and uncle were flown in from Yemen, as he and 11 family members, including five great grandchildren, flew in from London. "The last time I saw them was as a child," he said. "They are today meeting their great grandchildren for the first time." "Today, the UAE made my family's dream come true after we had lost hope on getting reunited, after 21 years of separation," he said. The family were kept apart due to the situation in Yemen and financial difficulties. Fayez further expressed his gratefulness to the solidarity and support they have received from UAE leadership. Fayez's mother, Losa Fayez, said that what happened had put an end to 21 years of suffering. Soliman Fayez, the grandfather, and Sham’a Soliman, the grandmother, said the family reunion in Abu Dhabi is an unforgettable moment for them. The second family, the Salem family, were also reunited on Sunday after being apart for 15 years. Haron Salem, his wife and two children were flown in from Yemen to meet their relative who lives in Abu Dhabi. "Words cannot express how grateful we are to the UAE. We are very happy being here reunited with our family member. The UAE is truly the homeland of love, tolerance and peace," he said. ICA/WAM/Expat Media
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