Help my Afghan Family

A lovely young Afghan woman entered my home and heart three years ago. Her journey from persecution to freedom was inspiring. But she was heartbroken. Her husband and daughter could not leave with her when she escaped one year prior. Together, we embarked on Uranus's case for residence in Canada and reunification with her family.

Uranus's Humanitarian & Compassionate application was approved in record time! She applied for Permanent Residence, but by then, the Taliban had taken control of Afghanistan. Uranus's husband, who worked for the elected government, was forced into hiding. For 14 months, he hid with his daughter, parents and brothers. Two months ago, the Taliban burst through the door and arrested him.

We thought we'd lost the battle. Our worst fears were realized. But just a week later, he came home. We knew another arrest or even death was imminent. He decided to take on a harrowing escape, and both father and daughter made it safely to Pakistan last month.

They have now obtained legal documents to travel home to Canada. We will pick them up in Vancouver next week!! What a journey. What a relief. What a reunion it will be!!

Now they need your help. Our sponsorship of Uranus's family requires that they must not ask the Canadian government for financial support. Uranus has worked hard to support herself and her family back in Afghanistan. We have helped her send money every month, paid smugglers to assist in getting them out of Afghanistan, paid inflated rates for visas and travel to Pakistan... the list goes on and on. As they settle into new lives here, they will need a car, winter clothing, rental money and settlement assistance - in addition to their continued efforts to support their family back in Afghanistan.

Please forward this to your friends. Thank you so much. We are very grateful!

P.S. In this photo, Uranus holds the picture her husband sent the night of the great escape - this was the photo that said, "We are alive. We made it!!"

About me: I first heard of Uranus's plight when I was the Cantor at Temple Sholom in Vancouver. Uranus met with Rabbi Dan and asked him for help. Rabbi Dan turned to the community, and I was one of a number of families who raised a hand to help. Uranus decided to live with me and my family and it was a perfect match. Uranus has become a daughter to me and my husband, and a sister to our daughters. We can't wait to hug our son-in-law and granddaughter! We all feel extremely blessed.