As a global community, we must recognize our privilege, tap into our compassion and recognize that refugees coming into our countries need our support, attention, and care. This is part of our evolution as a species, to open our hearts and meet one another as equals. Combining cultures and different ways of being is not necessarily easy, but it is deeply necessary to keep pushing the needle towards unity, always.
Furthermore, we are called to use our critical thinking skills and do our own research as it relates to politics and motivations for war. War has historically been about money and resources. It’s important that we make it known that we do not support war and elect officials who support peace and authentic, forward momentum for humanity.
Even though American troops left Afghanistan in August, tensions are still high with President Biden stating at the time, “We will hunt you down and make you pay,” following the deaths of 13 American soldiers at the Kabul airport. His words are reminiscent of the war beginning in the first place 20 years ago; he ordered a drone strike in retaliation that ended in a horrible tragedy; it was a huge mistake. The drone strike on August 29th, just days after the Kabul airport bombing, killed a man named Ahmadi who was working for a California-based nonprofit, NEI (Nutrition and Education International), along with nine other victims, including three of his own children (five children between ages two and seven and three between the ages of 10 and 20). Knowledge is power. Let’s use our power to demand peace.
Thank you to Sahar for her vulnerability and willingness to share her story...it’s difficult to find the words to express my gratitude. Thank you endlessly and bless you.
—Helen Denh
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Author’s Note: Sahar dreams of attending Art School and bringing Art Therapy to other refugee women and girls in need of healing. To donate: saharrezaiart.squarespace.com/. To connect on Instagram: @sahar_curlly; Connect with Helen on Instagram: @helendenham_; and at helendenham.com.
