Refugees Invited to Stay at Justice Minister’s House

A Ukrainian refugee, who arrived in Iceland late last night along with her 11-year-old son, was unexpectedly offered temporary housing by Icelandic Minister of Justice Jón Gunnarsson, mbl.is reports. The woman and Jón have a mutual friend, who called Jón last night to seek advice regarding finding housing for the mother and son. Incidentally, Jón is the former CEO of ICE-SAR, the Icelandic Association of Search and Rescue.

Their mutual friend, Atli Sigurðarson, related the story in a post on his Facebook page. At short notice, his friend in Ukraine contacted him to let him know that she and her son were on their way to Iceland.

Atli tells mbl.is that the family lives in the city Kharkiv, in eastern Ukraine. He states that mother and son left the city alone, leaving her parents behind. The latter encouraged their daughter to leave, telling her that she and her son had a long life ahead, while they themselves were getting old.

Mother and son arrived in Iceland late last night. Being unable to house them himself, Atli called his old friend and former brother-in-law, Jón, asking him for suggestions.

Jón’s reaction was very positive right away, and he responded, “She’s welcome to stay at our house to begin with.” Atli admits the woman was quite surprised being told she and her son had been offered accommodation by Iceland’s minister of justice.

She and her son only brought one backpack along, which is why today has been spent providing them with all sorts of necessities. The next days will be spent trying to find them permanent housing.