A Journey of Courage and Selflessness: Hamid's Story

Hamid was a prosecutor in Afghanistan before the Taliban took over in 2021. He fought drug trafficking, organized crime and corrupt politicians. As his country faced war, he faced the challenge of supporting his wife and children through change and uncertainty. He needed the courage to build a place for himself and his family in the United States. This courage was born from a selfless place, a place nurtured by love of his own father and mother.

"Until you become a father, you will feel your father…and realize how much he cares…I try to be my father for my kids. I don’t remember my father punishing us in any way! Violent way, never! He is always against violence." Hamid recalls arguing with his father, who always remained calm, saying, "Please calm down. When you are arguing, your mind is not in a perfect state. When you are angry, you are not thinking from your mind; you are talking from the stress."

Hamid's mother was a teacher before she had her second child. Due to circumstances, she became a housewife, so she can take care of the kids. “She managed everything when my father was not at home. Even though we had financial problems, she encouraged us to attend private institutions to learn English or computer courses. I really admired her for all those things she did when my father was away."

Hamid spent much of his childhood as a refugee in Pakistan when the Taliban first took power in the 1990. He recalls a harrowing experience, "One of the kids just grabbed something from my brother and ran. My brother and I chased him. Then, after about three minutes, a rocket hit the spot where we had been playing, killing 4 or 5 kids on our street. My mother was yelling out on the street looking for me and my brother. Luckily, we were not harmed." His father decided to leave Afghanistan for Pakistan and take as many family members as he could.

Hamid's father was part of a team of professors who sought to bring peace by talking to all sides of the conflict. "He had to travel a lot back to Afghanistan. The income was hard to manage, and the mission was dangerous. He spent months away, talking to various leaders to understand their demands and bring peace." The family would travel back to Afghanistan during times of relative peace to save money.

 "The last time we returned to Afghanistan and stayed was in 2001 when American troops arrived."

As Hamid grew older, he realized that his father's work was an extension of his love for his children and society. "One of my brothers complained that my father spent more time on his country than on his kids. But I knew he wanted education and peace for society and for us. He knew that if society wasn't safe, his children wouldn't be either. When the Taliban returned this time, even though the US government and European Union asked my father to leave, he insisted on staying."

His father's dedication inspired Hamid to think about peace and society. His father continues to fight for girls' education in Afghanistan. "He and the former president spoke to a Taliban leader until 2 AM to allow girls to study. For my father, education is the foundation of society. Uneducated people often turn to violence and war. Local religious scholars would manipulate the uneducated."

When asked where home is for him, Hamid said, "Now it’s difficult to answer. When we first left Afghanistan, it was hard to leave everything we built. But now, seeing my kids enjoying school and life, and both Masooda and I back in the legal field, it’s hard to say which place is home."

Hamid's journey in the US began humbly. “I got a call from IRC about helping me get work. They offered to help with my CV and find me office jobs, but I asked for any job to feed my family. I worked as an Amazon delivery driver…I still do, when my bill is behind.”

“Everyone I met here in the US from day one until now, everyone is remarkable.” A moment that stays with him was when his wife first got a job with the public defender’s office. Their new baby girl was only 5 months old, and their pediatrician recommended they keep her out of daycare. Hamid made the decision to leave his job to find one that would allow him to work nights and stay home with his infant. This would allow his wife to pursue her legal career. However, his boss at the law firm offered to let him work nights.

He says, “This gesture was completely unexpected, especially from such a small law firm. Even large firms might not have done this. Their understanding and willingness to help me through this tough situation were incredibly touching.”

He learned he can give back simply listening and sharing his story.  "I realized that even talking to people and encouraging them can make a difference." He gives presentations to the Boy Scouts about his experiences as a refugee, breaking stereotypes about Afghanistan.

"I see the US as home not just because my kids have a good life and we are safe, but because I am involved in society…This is why I called this place home as well. My soul is involved in this community and this society.”

Hamid found his place by continuing to search for and create it, often unintentionally through selflessness. “I think I always care for other people. Maybe in Afghanistan, I did not know about this. I unintentionally did this. When I saw my wife and kids suffering in the Netherlands, I told myself I should think about people who need me. I should not think about myself that I lost my home, my job, my profession, all of those things I left behind in Afghanistan.”

Hamid's journey is a testament to courage, selflessness and the power of community.