Dear Friends, Colleagues, Alma matter graduates, and Kind Strangers,

I reach out to you today with a plea born of necessity and compassion. In the wake of Afghanistan's turmoil, I found myself obligated to protect 14 individuals whose lives were imperiled due to their association with me—a former Afghan Border Force Officer and translator for the US Armed Forces, as well as a graduate of the Wharton School and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. The fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in August 2021 placed them in grave danger, prompting a swift and urgent response from many of you, especially our dedicated veterans, who rallied to assist in the evacuation of my family to safety. From there, the efforts snowballed, as depicted in the above news clip from August 16, 2021.

During the last week of August 2021, my family of eight slept in the open on a parking lot about a hundred feet away from the Kabul International Gate, where American Forces stationed to save our allies. In the winter of 2022, my father-in-law was beaten by the Taliban, and my brother-in-law was tortured for two nights in May 2022.

For the past three years, amidst uncertainty and hardship, I have tirelessly advocated for their well-being. The first year of which I was completing my studies at Harvard Kennedy School of Government between August 2021 and May 2022. In fact, because of the horror that I was living with, my full academic year at Harvard Kennedy School was by far the most challenging year I have ever had.

In staggered arrivals, my wife was paroled in March 2022, followed by my parents and half-siblings entering as refugees to the United States in January 2023, and my wife's parents and siblings also entering as refugees in January 2024.

Upon graduation and despite my countless efforts, I had been unemployed until September 2023 and, yet, I continued to keep my promise. It happened many times that I questioned my past and my sacrifice to make my dream come true.

All in all, the past three years have tested us beyond measure, yet our journey toward stability has only just begun.

As I stand at this critical juncture, I implore your assistance in securing a future of security and stability for my loved ones. None among them are educated; seven are currently enrolled in schools and ESL classes, and four are elderly. It falls upon me, as their relative, to provide them with a sanctuary where they can rebuild their lives and pursue their American dreams.

To this end, I am taking the difficult step of buying my first-ever home—a decision laden with both hope and trepidation. This home will be the main nest for 15 of us, and as kids grow up or adult children marry, they will move out.

Your generous support will be used toward the down-payment for the house, and its closing cost. With my current income of $80k, no saving, and liabilities of $350k, as well as despite my countless efforts reaching out to lenders and banks, I have not been able to secure a loan that would allow me to contract a suitable house. I intend to contact a house between 2500 sq ft to 3000 sq ft, having at least 4 bedrooms and no more than 2 bathrooms. The space might be tight for 15 individuals; but sure it will be be large enough for all of us to appreciate the opportunity and peace of mind.

Right now, my parents and half siblings live in a 1100 sq ft apartment. My wife, in-laws and myself live in a 850 sq ft apartment. Our combined rental payment would be equal to, if not more than, the mortgage for the house.

While the weight of this responsibility is heavy, the safety and well-being of my refugee family remain my paramount obligation, the obligation I sacrificed my entire adult life for. However, I acknowledge that I cannot shoulder this burden alone. Thus, I humbly request your support.

Allow me to reiterate, your generous support will directly contribute to covering the mortgage down-payment and closing costs, thereby laying the foundation for a secure and stable future for 14 deserving refugees. Furthermore, any surplus funds raised will be allocated toward long-term security measures and educational opportunities for the young children under my care.

Every contribution, regardless of size, holds the power to transform lives. Together, we can offer these 14 refugees—who have already endured so much—a chance to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their futures. Your support is not merely a gesture but a lifeline, extending hope and promise to those who need it most.

From the depths of my heart, I thank you for considering this urgent appeal and for your unwavering kindness and compassion.

With profound gratitude,

Mosa Rahimi

This news clip is from July 2022. At the time, my parents were in Qatar, and my wife's family was hiding in Kabul, Afghanistan.