Support Ahmad Elyas: An Afghan Musician Refugee

Hi There,

My name is Mojgan Rashid from Northern Virginia and we are seeking emergency funding for my cousin Ahmad Elyas and his family. Ahmad Elyas was a Guitar player at Tolo TV and played for the most viewed showed in Afghanistan called Afghan Star and PEPSI SAZ SROOD. He graduated from ANIM (Afghanistan National Institute of Music), where also performed guitar at several performances in the U.S., France, Italian embassy, and the Goethe Institute. Since the Taliban has taken over, playing and listening to music has been banned. Ahmad mentioned that music is a “voice of peace” for him.

Ahmad Elyas witnessed the December 11, 2014, blast during the performance of a play called “Heartbeats: Silence after the Explosion” by ANIM at the Istiqlal school, home to the French Cultural Centre in which 15 people were injured. The Islamist extremist group (Taliban) claimed responsibility and this was the most terrifying day of his life and he still thinks about it.

Ahmad Elyas and his family belong to a minority population valley in the Panjshir province. Many Panjshiri people have been kidnapped by the Taliban, including Ahmad Elyas’ father, who has been missing since September 8, 2021. During these times of crisis, his sister and mother both lost their jobs since women have no rights. He and his family were threatened several times and feared for their lives, prompting them to depart Afghanistan and leave everything behind in order to save his family’s life and be in a safer nation, Islamabad, Pakistan.

We hope to raise funds through this Gofundme campaign so that Ahmad Elyas can cover him and his families medical, living, and furnishing expenses. This money will be used to cover their medical and living costs, as well as legal costs to relocate his family to safer nation and re-establish their life there. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new future for them, they will never give up.

Knowing that they are in a time of financial instability, your donation is extra special to them. Thank you for your generous financial support during this difficult time. You have worked hard for the money that you’ve donated to them. They really appreciate it and are thankful. Words are fleeting, and we want you to know that a simple “thank you” doesn’t do justice to how deeply they appreciate your support.

Due to the sensitive nature that Ahmad Elyas and his family are currently in, we are keeping his last name confidential and pictures blurred out. These funds will be sent directly to Ahmad Elyas and proof of funds being delivered will be provided

Please donate for them to start a new safe life!

Link for more information on Taliban destroy musical instruments in Afghanistan