Written by Twila Bird
Here we are posing with award-winning pianist Aeham Ahmad near his temporary home in Wiesbaden, Germany, on the day we interviewed him (July 7, 2016). He had just returned from a long, tiring trip to Poland, where he had performed yet another concert without pay. He was tired but graciously met with us and shared his commitment to help solicit aid for his fellow refugees through his music. His longing for his wife and children, who were still awaiting travel documents before joining him, and his grief for those still suffering in his homeland were palpable.
Connecting with Afghan Youth through Art
Slam the Islamophobia
The Emerald Project is a Utah-based organization that carefully designs dialogues to engage with non-Muslims to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims. As many of our refugee friends belong to the Muslim faith, we applaud opportunities that foster understanding and were pleased to support The Emerald Project’s 3rd annual “Slam the Islamophobia” event on February 15th.
Invisible Barriers and Battles: The Mental Health Impact on Refugees
Refugees often risk their lives crossing deserts, jungles, and oceans all in the search for shelter, freedom, or happiness. Yet, even once they’ve reached physical safety, mental mountains emerge that make daily life an uphill climb. At the November 2022 conference for the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (USOPHE), presenters Shurooq Al Jewari and Sasha Sloan discussed mental health and inclusion, focusing on immigrants and refugees.