Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity

Lucinda Olney and Lili Shidlovski are organizing this fundraiser to benefit Abdul and his family. The Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity will collect and disperse all funds.

To Begin: Mohammad and Abdul (not their real names), as identical twins, were very close, though they later took different paths in life. They were smart, energetic, vibrant boys. Both boys and the rest of the family suffered early on from discrimination and persecution as they are Hazara, an ethnic and religious minority in Afghanistan, but never as much as when the Taliban took power.

Work: Mohammad, who was passionate about providing healthcare to his community, completed a dental degree in India on scholarship; he is licensed as a dentist in India and Afghanistan.

Abdul, whose determination led him to protect the people of his country, attended the National Military Academy of Afghanistan, graduating with degrees in military operations and software engineering. He worked for more than 10 years alongside the U.S. military as a Captain in the Afghan army, providing security and support to American troops.

Marriage and religious persecution: Mohammad married a Mexican International Business student who he met in India. Because he is Muslim and she is Catholic, they suffered rejection by both their families. Mohammad returned to Afghanistan and told his family about his marriage. At first Mohammad’s father said nothing, but during the night he became enraged at his son’s marriage to a Christian woman. In the morning his father went to the nearby mosque to consult with the Imam (cleric). The Imam and the whole temple congregation became incensed at his breaking religious law and an angry mob headed toward the house. Mohammad’s brother Abdul called him and warned him to leave immediately. Having witnessed people being murdered for less, Mohammad left Afghanistan, traveling to Dubai, China, and finally Mexico, where he was able to join his new son and wife. They lived together there until his wife’s family became abusive, and late last year he sought asylum in the U.S.

Marriage and political persecution: Abdul married another Muslim in a more traditional marriage. He and his wife have twins, now 6 and a 3 year old. His life is in danger for political reasons. When the U.S. military left Afghanistan, and the Taliban took over the country, those who had worked for the previous Afghan government were considered traitors and targeted. Abdul was caught by the Taliban; he was able to escape, but it was too late for him to leave the country with the American airlift in late August and early September, 2021. Because the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, Abdul hasn’t been able to work, since the Taliban are searching for him. He is on their list to be hunted down. Many of his friends who also worked for the Afghan government have been killed.

Movement for Mohammad: After leaving Mexico, Mohammad sought asylum in the U.S., as was his legal right; he was detained immediately by ICE. After months in detention he was finally released, when Immigrant Families Together in Los Angeles found him a sponsor. The sponsor contacted Lili, and a group of local Jews and Christians found housing and accompaniment for Mohammad in Berkeley, California. His wife and son joined him soon after. Because Mohammad is early in his asylum process and doesn’t have a work permit; he can’t raise funds for his brother by working. He is struggling to find a way to save Abdul and his family.

Movement for Abdul: Abdul needs to move every few weeks. Because he is hunted by the Taliban, his neighbors are fearful for their own safety if the Taliban believes they have a connection with him. Despite a long tradition of Afghan hospitality, no one is willing to give Abdul housing or hire him for work. It is a frightening and potentially deadly situation. His only hope for safety for himself and his family is to find a way to leave Afghanistan. Abdul needs FINANCIAL HELP to leave!

Bottom Line: Abdul and his family are suffering because of the U.S. military intervention in Afghanistan, the subsequent U.S. withdrawal, and the Taliban takeover. With other Afghan families, our faith-based coalition has worked on obtaining Humanitarian Parole Visas. These take years to be processed. Abdul doesn’t have years under the current Afghan regime. He and his family face the risk of death every day. Your donations will go to Abdul and his family, giving them the possibility of escaping direct threats to their lives and achieving freedom and safety.

When we support a refugee or asylum-seeker, we are committed to helping their family in any way that we can. There is an old Jewish saying that goes, “When you save one life, you save the world”.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Here is where we and you come in. Our plan is to raise funds for Abdul and his family. First it will take about $7000 - $10,000 to get this family of five to safety outside of Afghanistan. They would then need financial support for food and rent for the next step, traveling further until finally able to apply for asylum in the U.S.

As the Quakers among us say, a “way will open”.

Then these two loving brothers could be together again, raise their kids as close cousins, and do what they most want to do: live long, safe and productive lives.

Any small donation is appreciated. Larger ones would help us bring Abdul and his family to safety sooner. Please consider helping our group of volunteers and Mohammad save these 5 lives -- Abdul, his wife Marium, his twins Aysha and Said, and the little one, Asmara. Sharing this post with your network of friends and family will also be helpful.

WHAT HAPPENS WITH YOUR DONATIONS

All donations with be held by the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, then forwarded to Mohammad for Abdul.

100% of the money will be used to bring Abdul and his family to safety and to provide them with food and shelter along the way. Your donations are tax-deductible.

Who We Are

We, Lucinda and Lili, belong to Christian and Jewish Congregations under the umbrella of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity; we have helped bring Mohammad and his family to Berkeley, California. Two Berkeley Friends Meetings (Quakers) and their friends are providing Mohammad and his family free housing and other necessities, accompaniment throughout his asylum process, and emotional support. We are concerned because we are part of the Accompaniment Team and support group for Mohammad, Abdul’s twin brother.

Please help us towards our goal, and spread the word. Thank you.