Refugee Story

Until contention, rumors of conflict, angry politics and war triggered fear and anxiety

I have missed three years of their lives. I will never get them back.

I kept thinking, "I will be dead; I'm not going to make it!"

Forced to be a rebel then a spy, Leonard was protected by the pygmies

Amina is one of countless indomitable refugee mothers in the world

Refugees and advocates ran or walked from George Washington University to Lincoln Memorial (approximately 2 miles) as part of an annual event in celebration of World Refugee Day. An Afghan family from Kabul seeking refuge in Frankfurt, Germany, would have to walk almost 4300 miles. That distance is the equivalent of walking from Boston, Massachusettes to San Diego, California, then up the West Coast past Seattle, Washington to the Canadian border.

The people of Europe, they that think that we just came here to look for money. No!

The people that transport you, they don’t show love.

We only had enough to get this far, here in Greece. Now we’re stuck.

​You have to have faith and trust in humanity.

Everyone has his own road and his own destiny.

I said, “God, OK, if today is my last day, let it be.”

" I want to leave something for my children and grandchildren. The Italians give me a place to sleep and food, but I need help finding a job..."

“Call your family. Send money.” I said, “I don’t have family. I am an orphan.”

My husband told me to go to Germany with our youngest son because I am a math teacher and can speak English, and because I am strong.

"I like being in school again..."

If they send me back to Afghanistan or any other country, what will I do?

I just want to be free and to live in peace and safety.

I want my family to stay together here where we can be safe.