December 4th 2024.
In the summer of 2021, after 20 years of turmoil, the US armed forces finally left Afghanistan. But while American troops were able to return home to their families, the situation for the Afghan people was far from over. The Taliban had taken control of the country, leaving the nation in a state of helplessness.
One soldier, Jason Kander, couldn't accept that the war was over while his fellow Afghans were still trapped in the Middle East, fearing for their lives. He felt a personal responsibility to do something to help them, despite the fact that technically, the war was considered a defeat. Jason, who had returned home in 2021, shared with CBS News that leaving his Afghan comrades behind felt like abandoning a friend, despite his promise to never do so.
As Jason learned about the desperate situation of the Afghans left behind, he couldn't live peacefully knowing that they were stranded in a warzone. The Taliban had taken over Kabul airport, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape. One family, the Rauffis, were particularly at risk as they had been targeted by the Taliban. Jason knew he had to do something to save them.
He and a few others came up with a plan to transport the Rauffi family to a safer location in Mazar-e-Sharif, an area not as heavily controlled by the Taliban. It was a risky journey, and they were stopped by the Taliban just minutes into the drive. But thanks to the children's cries and shouts, they were released and able to reach their destination.
However, even in Mazar-e-Sharif, the Rauffi family was not completely safe. The Taliban paraded through the city, forcing them to go into hiding. Determined to help them, Jason came up with a bold plan - a fake wedding. He organized a three-day wedding event, using it as a cover to fool the Taliban and transport the Rauffis and 370 other Afghans to a nearby airport. With handmade boarding passes, they were able to successfully fool the Taliban and fly to Albania.
In Albania, the group was greeted with champagne and taken to a seaside resort, where they could finally feel safe and free. It was a moment of relief and happiness for everyone, especially the Rauffi family. But their journey was far from over. Jason pleaded with the Department of Homeland Security to allow the Afghan refugees into America, but it took over a year for their request to be granted.
Finally, after two years of waiting, the Afghans were granted permission to settle in America. Jason and Rahim, the head of the Rauffi family, both now live in Kansas City, Missouri. Rahim works at a local bank, and Jason still deals with PTSD from his time in Afghanistan. But despite everything, they are grateful and proud to be in America.
Jason wants Americans to understand that every Afghan who arrives in the country has done something heroic to get there. They may be working in jobs that are often overlooked, such as bussing tables or driving Ubers, but they are some of the most resilient and incredible people you will ever meet. He hopes that by sharing his story, people will see past any stereotypes and recognize the strength and bravery of the Afghan people.
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