Over the last few years, my family has built a cross-continental bond with a lovely family in Afghanistan. One of the eldest brothers was lucky enough to make it to the United States when the US pulled out, because his family had helped the US military during the war. My lovely mother, Kate Hasley Hoch, got to know this outstanding young man through some refugee volunteer work, and he has since become an adopted member of our family. Now, my mom spends time every night of every week video-chatting with his sweet siblings in Afghanistan. She is teaching them English and other American educational concepts, in hopes of increasing their opportunities, and maybe their ability to someday escape the tyranny of the Taliban and build a better life. Their entire family is essentially in hiding, living in fear of retribution from the Taliban for helping the US military, but they have held onto hope.

Now, that hope is dwindling. The Taliban is threatening to shut off WiFi for the entire country. Their 12 year old daughter, Z, wrote to my mom: “You are our only hope in life. You are our all — our possessions and our hope. But — maybe soon we will no longer be here. Maybe we will no longer be able to speak. The Taliban are not only taking away our right to education and our rights, they are now pulling us away from you as well. Thinking about it sets my heart on fire; tears well up in my eyes and the thought of it is unbearable.” This sweet brilliant girl could not speak English a year ago.

Perhaps even worse than losing their WiFi, the Taliban is bulldozing this beautiful family’s home in 5 weeks to build a road - and is providing the family no compensation. They are a family of 10, and will be find themselves unhoused just as winter approaches, with no money to purchase a new home.

Please consider giving whatever you can spare to help. We have spoken with some boarding schools across the US and Canada trying to find a way to get these brilliant young girls to safety from the Taliban. But first we need to get them to safety from the cold winter. We are aiming for $30,000 so they can buy a new home. Please, please consider donating. 12-year-old Z writes, “I don’t know what will happen in this very moment, but my heart has grown so cold toward the world, aunt, that we have even begun to hate ourselves. We have lost you and life — we have even lost our own future. Our future is ruined; it is dark.” No child should ever even think these words into existence. Please, help us re-light some hope in their hearts. They are so special to us, and they deserve a fighting chance