Help Latifa's family resettle
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It was only two months ago, that millions of Americans got a shocking, first-hand account of the brutal atrocities and violent transition of power that took place during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. While headlines focused on the tragic loss of life across Kabul and beyond, those who understood the severity of the situation in Afghanistan knew that the real victims weren't just those who were killed, but those who were left behind.
This is the story of Latifa S.
It is neither fiction, nor fantasy. This is a real person, a real story, and a real opportunity for all of us who watched helplessly as these events unfolded, to make a specific and impactful difference in the life of a truly good person, who put her own life on the line so that others might survive.
Prior to the Taliban's violent transition to power, Latifa was an internationally recognized human rights attorney, advocating for women's equality and safety, throughout Afghanistan. But as Latifa would likely tell you, the titles and accolades she is most proud of are that of wife and mother.
The nature of Latifa's work--defending and advocating for Afghan women who were the victim of domestic violence--made her an easy, if not popular, target for abusive husbands, as well as the hegemonic Taliban ideology. She was chased. She was threatened. She had rocks thrown through her windows. But things changed dramatically, when she received a letter written in blood, which said "...the next one will be written in your son's blood."
The proud mother of three boys (all under the age of 13) knew that in order to protect her children, she must flee Afghanistan, even if it meant leaving behind her life's work and the women she fought so hard to defend.
As the situation became dire and the circumstances became desperate, Latifa made an agonizing plea for help:
"I am a lawyer who has fought against the Taliban since 2009. I no longer care only for my life, but for my three children who deserve to live a life that is not made up only of weapons, corpses, blood, abuses by the Taliban on women and children. I did my job every day, hoping to make a difference in the lives of women and children. Unfortunately, today I flee to try to save myself. I have no place to go. I don't know if my words will reach you. But in that case, please help me."
In the weeks that followed, Latifa's faith was tested and her resolve was challenged. Day after day, she endured the type of dramatic 'survive, evade, escape' environment you'd expect to find in a Tom Clancy or Jack Carr thriller. But while lights went dark and communications went silent, Latifa never lost her faith, her focus, or her fortitude.
For security reasons, the details and specifics are on hold for the time being, but the good news is this: LATIFA AND HER FAMILY SUCCESSFULLY ESCAPED AFGHANISTAN. The headline is a happy one, but the fine print underscores a new reality for Latifa and her family, as they prepare to begin a new life on the other side of the world with only the shirts on their back, the shoes on their feet, and the gratitude in their heart.
Latifa is currently working to transition her family to the United States and join her sister Atefa S; but she faces the reality of doing so with minimal resources, zero financial resources, and significant risk to herself and her loved ones.
This is where you can step up and stand out, in your support for Latifa and the brave Afghans who fought for freedom, independence, and equality.
The best way to celebrate Latifa's story is by helping her to write the next chapter.
As a refugee myself, I understand first hand the challenges and struggles faced by those who have been displaced, who are fleeing violence and the threat of death. I appreciate your time, your consideration, your generous support and your prayers for Latifa's family.
This is the story of Latifa S.
It is neither fiction, nor fantasy. This is a real person, a real story, and a real opportunity for all of us who watched helplessly as these events unfolded, to make a specific and impactful difference in the life of a truly good person, who put her own life on the line so that others might survive.
Prior to the Taliban's violent transition to power, Latifa was an internationally recognized human rights attorney, advocating for women's equality and safety, throughout Afghanistan. But as Latifa would likely tell you, the titles and accolades she is most proud of are that of wife and mother.
The nature of Latifa's work--defending and advocating for Afghan women who were the victim of domestic violence--made her an easy, if not popular, target for abusive husbands, as well as the hegemonic Taliban ideology. She was chased. She was threatened. She had rocks thrown through her windows. But things changed dramatically, when she received a letter written in blood, which said "...the next one will be written in your son's blood."
The proud mother of three boys (all under the age of 13) knew that in order to protect her children, she must flee Afghanistan, even if it meant leaving behind her life's work and the women she fought so hard to defend.
As the situation became dire and the circumstances became desperate, Latifa made an agonizing plea for help:
"I am a lawyer who has fought against the Taliban since 2009. I no longer care only for my life, but for my three children who deserve to live a life that is not made up only of weapons, corpses, blood, abuses by the Taliban on women and children. I did my job every day, hoping to make a difference in the lives of women and children. Unfortunately, today I flee to try to save myself. I have no place to go. I don't know if my words will reach you. But in that case, please help me."
In the weeks that followed, Latifa's faith was tested and her resolve was challenged. Day after day, she endured the type of dramatic 'survive, evade, escape' environment you'd expect to find in a Tom Clancy or Jack Carr thriller. But while lights went dark and communications went silent, Latifa never lost her faith, her focus, or her fortitude.
For security reasons, the details and specifics are on hold for the time being, but the good news is this: LATIFA AND HER FAMILY SUCCESSFULLY ESCAPED AFGHANISTAN. The headline is a happy one, but the fine print underscores a new reality for Latifa and her family, as they prepare to begin a new life on the other side of the world with only the shirts on their back, the shoes on their feet, and the gratitude in their heart.
Latifa is currently working to transition her family to the United States and join her sister Atefa S; but she faces the reality of doing so with minimal resources, zero financial resources, and significant risk to herself and her loved ones.
This is where you can step up and stand out, in your support for Latifa and the brave Afghans who fought for freedom, independence, and equality.
The best way to celebrate Latifa's story is by helping her to write the next chapter.
As a refugee myself, I understand first hand the challenges and struggles faced by those who have been displaced, who are fleeing violence and the threat of death. I appreciate your time, your consideration, your generous support and your prayers for Latifa's family.
In Service Together,
Thear (on behalf of Team Latifa)
Fundraising team: Team Latifa (11)
Thear Suzuki
Organizer
Plano, TX
Marc Andersen
Team member
Thear Suzuki
Team member
Debbi Priest
Team member
Angela Milano
Team member
