Lebanese children reunited with father in Ireland
There are fears she may have to be hospitalised today, if her condition does not improve.
Rosaline Zabed had been sleeping on the streets in Lebanon for a fortnight, along with her grandson, Ali, eight, and granddaughter, Gadier, five.
She suffers from a heart condition and received no medication since being forced to flee their home.
Irish officials had intervened and had them flown to Ireland yesterday morning to be reunited with their father, Murnier Zabed, 34, who lives in Kilkenny.
The family was reunited amid tearful scenes in Dublin Airport yesterday, before beginning the trip to Kilkenny.
But the children’s grandmother became ill en route to their new home and was rushed immediately to a doctor who carried out a series of blood tests.
Despite their anguish, Gadier and Ali were in high spirits as they were reunited with their father.
Mr Zabed and his wife broke up when she was pregnant with their daughter. It was an emotional meeting for the father and daughter who had never met face-to-face.
A delighted Mr Zabed said it was a dream come true to be united with his mother and children.
A welcome at Kilkenny’s Parade was cancelled but the family were treated to a major party last night at Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel.
“It has been a wonderful day. I have not seen my family for years. It was great to hug my mother and kiss her and see my children. My mother’s health is very, very bad at the moment. She is very sick. The pressure on her has been very big,” Mr Zabed said.
Despite her illness and exhaustion, his mother had a word of thanks for everyone who worked to get them out of the Lebanon.
“I thank you all for all your help for me and the children. It has been very, very hard.”
