Help Afghan refugee family fleeing Taliban

I'm Anna Badkhen, author and Guggenheim Fellow, raising funds for my Afghan friend and colleague, Danish Ahmad Danishwar, his wife, Nilufar, and their three daughters and a son.

 

Mr. Danishwar was born in 1985, came of age after September 11, 2001, and dedicated his adult life to building and supporting democratic institutions in Afghanistan. As a result of his commitment to his country’s future and Western democratic values, he and his family -- including his three daughters -- were at grave risk when the US left Afghanistan.

 

We were able to initially raise enough money to secure passports and airfare for Danish's family. Last May, they were able to leave the country, their whole life packed into two suitcases. They are now refugees in Islamabad, waiting for the US State Department to come through with their P2 visas. The wait may take months, during which time they are not legally allowed to work in Pakistan. We are trying to raise funds (and, if you are in Islamabad, clothes, cooking utensils, housewares, books) to support their stay. The money will pay for their rent, food, electric bills, phone bills, education expenses for the children, English lessons, and driving lessons for Nilufar. We can send a detailed budget if need be. Money will be sent to Anna and then go by Western Union or MoneyGram to Danish and Nilufar; we will send you receipts of the transfer.

 

Adi Magazine recently published, in translation, an essay by Nilufar that describes some of what they had to endure before leaving Afghanistan. Here is the link to the essay: https://adimagazine.com/articles/lost-in-the-darkness/ We hope you will help us assist this family as they journey towards safety.