Lead picture is heartbreaking; cannot begin to imagine what he's been through.  Nonetheless I concur with others' advice. 17 months is a long time to just 'idle' or wait for the rest of his family to come.  When it happens it'll bring momentary, not chronic happiness.  He needs to find a new sense of purpose.  Start with gratitude every morning that he got out and found sanctuary in a country like Canada, not wondering unwanted in Europe like so many of his country(wo)men. Find a way to contribute/volunteer, even in the smallest way; e.g., is there someone interested in learning Arabic in exchange for English lessons?  As others have said, keep tv on English stations; see what's available in his local library.  Adaptation is key, if he his wants to get his leadership role back from his daughter, what he's doing now wont get him there. He was happy in the past because he was doing; we can habituate to negative or positive, habituate to something positive, he's young, alive and has time.