Search for Misplaced Father’s Remains Continues as Canadian Family Faces Torment
A Quebec family is enduring immense distress and uncertainty after discovering that their father’s remains were mistakenly replaced with those of another man upon their return from a tragic vacation in Cuba.
Faraj Allah Jarjour’s scheduled funeral services have been postponed indefinitely as his daughter, Miriam Jarjour, desperately seeks answers and the whereabouts of her father’s body.
According to Miriam, her 68-year-old father suffered a fatal heart attack on March 22 while swimming in the ocean near Varadero, Cuba. Due to the lack of medical facilities nearby, his body was left uncovered on a beach chair in the scorching sun for over eight hours before being transported to Havana.
The family followed the Canadian consulate’s instructions and paid $10,000 Canadian to have the body returned. However, upon arrival, the casket contained the remains of a Russian man who was significantly younger, had a full head of hair, and bore tattoos, unlike her father.
The family immediately contacted Canadian consular officials in Cuba, who shifted the blame to the Cuban company responsible for coordinating the remains’ return. Miriam has since reached out to numerous government officials, including her Member of Parliament, who has promised to engage with Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly.
Family’s Anguish Grows Amidst Lack of Answers
Miriam expressed her devastation and frustration, stating, “Up until now, we have no answers. We’re waiting. I don’t know what to tell you.” She described her father as an active and healthy man who led a smoke-free and alcohol-free life.
The ordeal has taken a severe toll on Miriam’s mother, who is exhausted from grief and relentless efforts to find her husband’s remains. Miriam and her brother are navigating their own sorrow while attempting to extract answers from authorities who seem unwilling to accept responsibility.
Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged that consular officials are working with Cuban authorities to resolve the issue. However, Miriam feels that her family is not receiving the urgency and support they deserve. She hopes that Foreign Affairs Minister Joly will personally intervene to expedite the investigation and pressure Cuban authorities for answers.
The family has incurred expenses totaling $25,000 Canadian, including $15,000 Canadian for funeral services that have been indefinitely postponed.
Miriam’s heartfelt plea serves as a desperate call for assistance: “What I want is someone to help me find my father.”
