Operation Lifeline: Help Save the Lives of Farid, Zarif and 38 Pashtun Families in Afghanistan
Shalom,
It is with a heavy heart that we reach out to our global Jewish community, seeking your help to rescue 40 Pashtun families, including Farid, Zarif, and others, who are currently under threat from the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Who We Are
We are Heimish Giving, an organization deeply committed to providing aid and support to those in dire need. We are proud to be spearheading our most urgent mission yet: Operation Lifeline, which is a collaborative effort that encompasses multiple organizations that share our mission.
We have teamed up with ‘Redeem the Oppressed,’ an organization with a proven track record of saving lives since 2011, having safeguarded over 35,000 individuals facing grave danger due to political, social, or religious persecution (same board as us).
Our partners also include ‘HaLavi,’ an Israeli non-profit dedicated to educating and supporting the narrative that Pashtuns are a lost Jewish tribe. ‘Rise Agenda’ is also part of our coalition, providing vital services such as resettlement, integration, support, and emergency aid to refugees and displaced persons.
Lastly, we are working with ‘Forcefield NFP,’ a human rights activist non-profit led by Dr. Richard Benkins, a steadfast advocate for those oppressed and persecuted.
The Pashtun Connection
You may have heard of the theory that the Pashtuns, a large ethnic group in Afghanistan and Pakistan, are descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel. While this theory is not universally accepted, it is a deeply-held belief among some Pashtuns. They have oral and written traditions of descent from Israelites, and many of their customs and rituals bear striking similarities to those of Judaism.
Farid, Zarif, and the 38 families we aim to help are all of Pashtun heritage. They are activists, human rights defenders, and advocates for social justice. They have risked their lives to champion the values we hold dear, and now their lives are in dire danger.
The Crisis
The resurgence of the Taliban following the US/NATO forces withdrawal has put many Afghans, especially those who have championed human rights, women’s empowerment, and social justice, at severe risk. Farid, Zarif, and the 38 families we are working to help are all being hunted down, their homes raided, and their lives threatened by the Taliban.
How You Can Help
Your contribution can provide a lifeline to these brave individuals. Here’s how your donation can make a difference:
– $25 can contribute to emergency supplies for those in hiding
– $100 can help cover the cost of necessary legal documentation
– $500 can contribute to the transportation costs/logistics for one person to reach a safer location within Afghanistan
– $1,000 can help cover the cost of a flight out of Afghanistan for one person
– $2,800 can pay for a 2-year work Visa in a safe country
– $5,000 can significantly contribute to resettlement costs in a safer country
Standing Together
As a global Jewish community, we know all too well the importance of standing up for those in danger. The story of Farid, Zarif, and these families echoes the narratives of our own history, a testament to our shared human experience.
We ask you to stand with us, to stand with Farid, Zarif, and the 38 families at risk. Your donation, your voice, your advocacy can save lives. Share our campaign with your friends, family, and community. Advocate for them on social media, at your local synagogue, in your Jewish community groups.
Together, we can bring them from danger to safety.
Todah rabah for your support and for standing with Farid, Zarif, and their fellow activists in their time of need.