Hi friends, I’m writing to share the story of my dear friend, Ali, in Afghanistan and to request any donations you may be able to provide for assisting his family’s travel to New Zealand. Ali, his wife, their three children, and his aging parents have all been approved for residence visas to resettle in New Zealand, where they will join his brothers and their families. For safety and security reasons, I have not used Ali’s real name nor included any photos in this appeal. Ali and his family are members of ethnic and religious minority groups and have faced persecution under Taliban rule, especially after the withdrawal of the US military in 2021. Ali and I met in Istanbul while working for an international aid organization, and we have remained close friends ever since. Over the years, Ali has worked for various international NGOs and the US government in Afghanistan, always striving to support his family and community despite the risks.
When the situation in Afghanistan became dire in August 2021, Ali and his family went into hiding. His siblings were able to seek asylum in Canada and New Zealand, but Ali’s path was much harder. We tried to secure humanitarian parole for him in the US, but were unsuccessful due to overwhelming demand and high fees. Recently, Ali’s brother in New Zealand was able to secure residence visas for Ali, his wife, children, and parents. The journey for seven people is expensive, and after years in hiding and exhausting their resources, they need help to cover travel and relocation costs. The International Organization for Migration will coordinate their travel from Kabul to Auckland, and the funds raised will be used for airline tickets, IOM fees, and other logistical expenses. Any additional funds will help them start their new life in New Zealand.
Ali is a thoughtful, kind, and hardworking person who has always supported others, even during his own hardships. When I faced personal challenges, Ali was there for me with messages of support. This fundraiser is a chance to directly help a family in need and know exactly where your donation is going. Any donation, no matter the size, or simply sharing this campaign, will make a real difference. Thank you so much for your compassion and support. I will provide updates on Ali’s family’s journey and their new life in New Zealand. “The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all” - Helen Keller
When the situation in Afghanistan became dire in August 2021, Ali and his family went into hiding. His siblings were able to seek asylum in Canada and New Zealand, but Ali’s path was much harder. We tried to secure humanitarian parole for him in the US, but were unsuccessful due to overwhelming demand and high fees. Recently, Ali’s brother in New Zealand was able to secure residence visas for Ali, his wife, children, and parents. The journey for seven people is expensive, and after years in hiding and exhausting their resources, they need help to cover travel and relocation costs. The International Organization for Migration will coordinate their travel from Kabul to Auckland, and the funds raised will be used for airline tickets, IOM fees, and other logistical expenses. Any additional funds will help them start their new life in New Zealand.
Ali is a thoughtful, kind, and hardworking person who has always supported others, even during his own hardships. When I faced personal challenges, Ali was there for me with messages of support. This fundraiser is a chance to directly help a family in need and know exactly where your donation is going. Any donation, no matter the size, or simply sharing this campaign, will make a real difference. Thank you so much for your compassion and support. I will provide updates on Ali’s family’s journey and their new life in New Zealand. “The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all” - Helen Keller