As’salaam Alaikum (peace be upon you): 

As we all know, there is a devastating humanitarian and political crisis in Afghanistan. Our hearts ache for the people of Afghanistan, who have endured more than four decades of war and violence. We pray for peace, stability, and safety in Afghanistan, and for people everywhere. We also know there is going to be an influx of Afghan refugees, including some that will be resettled in Washington state. We wanted to set forth how MAPS is working to address the crisis in Afghanistan, support the incoming Afghan refugees and the Afghan-American community, and how you can help.  

First, WA State Governor Inslee personally reached out to Aneelah Afzali, MAPS-AMEN’s Executive Director and an Afghan-American, in a phone call on Thursday. He expressed his support for the Afghan-American community during this difficult time, and agreed with Aneelah that we want Washington state to be an example for the rest of the nation on how to properly welcome refugees. Several other elected officials, community organizations, faith leaders, and everyday Americans have also reached out to express their support for the Afghan refugees and the people of Afghanistan. We want our Afghan-American community to take some comfort in these many expressions of support and solidarity. MAPS-AMEN will be working with the Governor’s Office along with federal, state, county, and city officials, private organizations, and community groups to help welcome the incoming refugees and take action to pressure the Biden Administration and Congress to support the people of Afghanistan.  

Second, MAPS has launched an Emergency Afghan Refugee Fund through our social services and humanitarian arm, MCRC (Muslim Community Resources Center), in partnership with SCM Medical Missions, Kits for Peace, and other organizations. Donations to that fund can be made here. One hundred percent (100%) of these funds will be used to support and resettle Afghan refugees in WA state, as MAPS-MCRC has prior experience in helping incoming refugee populations. The services to be provided include housing, furniture, food, medical and legal help, vaccinations, and more. This is a time of crisis, and we ask that you please donate generously towards this cause so we can welcome our brothers and sisters to our community. 

Third, for our Afghan-American community who may need help at this time, we offer the following. 

• A lot of Afghan-Americans have families who are trying to escape Afghanistan. If you have loved ones you are trying to evacuate from Afghanistan, you can:
  • Contact your congressional representatives (who are submitting names to the Dept. of State). Find your congressional representative here.   
  • Contact CAIR-WA for help evacuating Afghans using this inquiry form here.
  • Find resources in this Immigration Relief for Afghans document here and the World Relief Seattle page here.  

• We know what’s happening in Afghanistan has caused significant mental, emotional and psychological distress. For anyone needing emotional or mental support, you can schedule Emotional Wellness time with Sheikh Yasir Fargas through MAPS-MCRC’s free community clinic here.
• If there are additional ways that we at MAPS might be able to support you during this time, please let us know. 

MAPS-AMEN and MAPS-MCRC are working together to lead the effort on behalf of MAPS to address the crisis in Afghanistan and to support the incoming refugees, in direct collaboration and partnership with organizations on the ground across our region.  But they need YOUR help.  

Here are the specific ways you can help at this time: 

1. Fill out this Google form to identify what support/help you can offer, learn of opportunities to take action, and stay engaged in this effort:  www.tinyurl.com/WAHelpAfghans

2. Donate generously to the Emergency Fund here:  www.tinyurl.com/WAafghanFund

3. Sign any/all of the following, and help pressure your elected leaders to support the Afghan people: 

• • Afghan Diaspora Statement led by Afghans for a Better Tomorrow
  • OneAmerica’s Action Alert to lift the cap on Afghan refugees
  • CAIR-WA’s Action Alert  
  • MoveOn Petition  
  • International Refugee Assistance Project Petition

4. Listen to, learn from, and uplift the voices of Afghan-Americans 

5. Pray for peace and stability in Afghanistan, and strength, safety, and well-being for the Afghan people 

We pray that Allah SWT (God Almighty) answers our prayers and the prayers of the oppressed in Afghanistan, and brings an end to war and violence. May our collective efforts also help welcome our incoming Afghan brothers and sisters with open arms, and truly set Washington state up as a model for the nation, insha’Allah (God-willing). 

Thank you, 

Hyder Ali, President