Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, we all saw the terrifying video footage of families running for their lives, and then clinging onto planes to escape the Taliban. Seeing the tragedies unfold over the holidays made us realize we needed to do something to help. We were connected to a refugee brother and sister, Khlaid (29) and Zibba (28).

 

In August, their family of 10 siblings fled their home with just the clothes on their backs. Their escape took multiple attempts and even beatings to get to get on the plane.

The youngest two siblings, Khalid and Zibba, were relocated to California while their other siblings were displaced all across the world.

 

Now that they are here, they are trying to set up their new lives. The IRC (International Rescue Committee) was pivotal in getting them here and set up with a 2 bedroom apartment in Fremont. They promised to give them 3 months worth of rent, food stamps, and support in finding employment, but 6 weeks into this promise everything has come to a halt, and now they are on their own. With the Taliban freezing all of their assets, they have no money and without our help, will be evicted at the end of the month.

 

They will need help to cover basic needs, as in rent ($2200), utilities and food.

 

Our hopes are to allow them to have 3 months of support so they can get on their feet and start their new lives here.

 

Your donation will be instrumental in this.

 

Khalid has been working with IRC to help with any translating for incoming refugees in hope of employment but has received no money or extra help. He has recently secured a worker’s permit and a California Driver’s License.

 

We are humbly asking you for your support in helping them get their new lives started in the the Bay Area. Thank you for anything you can spare to help Khalid and Zibba. We have brought them donated supplies, food, and clothing, and furniture as a start, but we would like to collect funds so that they can continue to live in their home.

 

 

Any amount is appreciated, and thank you again,

Mimi, Erinn and Brandon

 

 

 

 

 

Here is more of their story and aspirations

 

Due to the collapse of our government and takeover of Taliban, there has been severe threats to my life and the life of my family. The Taliban came to our house searching for me but fortunately I wasn’t there since I had hidden at my relative's house.

 

After remaining hidden for a week, I tried constantly to enter the airport, and faced lots of difficulties and problems such as firing and beating. After several attempts, I was able to evacuate and reached Qatar. After many days of struggle, we headed towards Germany and passed the most difficult days in harsh weather. We faced hunger, cold and other challenges. After several weeks, we were finally headed towards the USA and landed here to start our new lives.

 

I would like to take the opportunity to share about myself and my sister’s professional background. In Afghanistan, we were working with The Civil Rights and Investigation Organization of Afghanistan which is an organization that is fighting for women's rights. We were helping women get employment and convincing their families to allow their women to get education. We provided the women with workshops so they would be able to become self-sufficient. This job was incredibly dangerous because the Taliban viewed it as something against their beliefs.

 

We have been working with a company for the past 2 years that is allied with United Nations in which we directly engage in Humanitarian services. The company for which I have been working is founded by an American and he was assigned as the CEO of this organization.

 

My goals in the United States are to continue to work on the civil rights issues we had worked so hard on in Afghanistan for women’s equality and education. For myself and my sister, we hope to secure a safe and stable life, further our education, and obtain jobs that help our new community as we did back home. Thank you for anything you can share that will help us rebuild our lives in the United States. I am happy to talk with anyone who would like to know more about the work we have done and my experiences surviving the Taliban.