In the past year, Opening Doors has walked alongside more than 3,000 immigrants, refugees, and survivors of human trafficking, providing a path to stability like a safe place to sleep, self-sufficiency through access to education and job placement services, and a sense of belonging—a true home. With only $67K left to raise before the year ends, your gift today will make a difference in the work of welcome in 2024.  

By Samiullah Sherzad, R&P Case Lead | Family Reuinification Specialist

December 2023

When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, everyone was worried about their future, especially government and International Non-profit Organization workers. People were rushing to the capital city and Kabul International Airport to leave the country as soon as possible. 

Mr. Barakzai, an Opening Doors' Refugee Programs client, was a driver and dispatcher of the Director of the Supreme Court at that time. He was receiving threats from the Taliban and living in fear for his life and his family. Once he realized living in Afghanistan was no longer safe, he joined others and rushed his family to the Kabul International Airport. They spent five days and nights in front of the airport's main gate without admission inside. In the midst of the chaos, his 15-year-old son, Abdul Fahim, got lost in the final attempt to get inside the airport. A massive blast also injured many people and took their lives.