Save a Family from Taliban Terror

Like most Veterans who went to Afghanistan,

I thought I was going for a short period of time. I didn't know that a piece of it would attach itself to me, and I would be bonded to that place forever.

Today that bond remains strong, not only in memory but in relationships. Most surprising is the relationships I formed with my interpreters. Bob, Khan, and Sayed. Despite a life of struggle and threat, they remain the most cheerful resilient people I know.

You see - when I left - the danger to me ended. Theirs did not. Eventually, the 3 of them all managed to immigrate to either Canada or the US. But the danger didn't stop for their families.

The Taliban is a vengeful, hateful organization. When they cannot catch and kill their prey (My interpreters) they turn the violence to their families. As an example, In 2013, Sayed's brother was targeted in an IED attack, killing 5; his brother's wife, Sayed's sister, and 3 children under 4 years old.

Today we have a chance to save another family from Taliban Terror.

Khan's Family, like Bob's and Sayed's has been receiving threats for many years. Threats that have increased since the Taliban took back power in 2021.

Finally, one of Khan's 3 brother, (Muhammed Hotaki) and his family has received approval to come to Canada. Like Khan, they helped us by running errands and getting market items when we needed them. One time they got us much needed radios and ran Taliban check points for us to do it.

The only thing that stands in their way is a set of passports for his wife and children. Since 2021, Passports cost more than any normal Afghan can afford.

Funds raised will be used to obtain these passports. We will wire the money to Muhammed Hotaki to apply and pay for the passports.

$8000 Seems like a lot for Passports. How Much Do they Cost?

The sad truth is that while the Taliban don't technically restrict travel, they have extorted the price of passports to make them completely financially out of the grasp of all but the richest Afghans. A passport currently costs $700 USD and a visa to Pakistan (required to get a flight to Canada) costs $100 USD. By the time we account for exchange rates, the cost to raise funds, and the cost to send funds, we are approximately $7850 CAD for 7 people.

Now I know you're probably thinking "what if this is a scam?" I can tell you I have done as much due diligence as I can. I have reviewed their application to Immigration Canada (I helped them submit it) as well as all their documentation. I have spoken with Khan numerous times about his family. The story doesn't change. I have also spoken with Muhammed Hotaki's eldest son, the only one who speaks English. Everything seems as I would expect.

The truth is, Your Donation....will change the lives of 1 family, 1 man and woman who just want their 5 kids to be safe from death. To grow up where life has real potential to last into old age.

The plan is that they come to either Vancouver (where they have some distant family) or Victoria where they have me. When they get here I will do all that I can to help them. But let's get them here first.

Thank You for Helping.