Ten-Year-Old Syrian Refugee Carries a Big Message of Hope
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Little Amal's Message of Hope
Good afternoon,

On September 7, Little Amal
, a 12-foot
puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl, started her 11,000
mile-journey across the United
States

to spread a message of hope

and compassion towards refugees. Amal, whose name means "hope" in
Arabic, has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of
displaced children

around the world who have fled war and persecution. Over half of the
world's refugees are children

and many are urgently in need of support. Little Amal's message is
"Don't forget about us."

Amal is currently visiting some of the United States' most iconic
sites and natural landscapes, from Boston to San Diego, to remind us
that we are all one human family. On her walk
[link removed] , she has been welcomed by hundreds
of artists, civil society activists, faith leaders, policymakers, and
community organizers and members.

Since 2021, Little Amal has traveled through ninety-seven towns and
cities around the world reaching
nearly one million people in fifteen countries, and tens of millions
more online.  Her walk in Europe followed a similar path to the one
many Syrian refugees took between 2015 and 2016. Everywhere she goes,
Amal learns about history, culture, music, art and more. She is greeted
with ceremonies that are
meaningful to the local people she meets.

I met Little Amal during her recent visit to Washington, D.C.
.
Undeterred by heavy September rain, many people from different religious
and ethnic backgrounds gathered on the National Mall
to welcome her. Most were
children eager to learn about her journey

from Syria through her eyes, her story searching for her mother, and
hear her encouragement to those seeking freedom, opportunity, and
safety. As a Syrian, I was deeply touched. And as an American, I felt
proud to witness such a warm welcome for Little Amal. Her visit to D.C.
is an important reminder for people in power of the challenges

refugees and migrants face, and the urgent need for solutions
.

[link removed] Oula Alrifai and Little Amal
in Washington, D.C., September 17, 2023. (Source: Oula Alrifai)

Eighteen years ago, I fled my home country, Syria, also seeking freedom
and opportunity. Just like Little Amal, I undoubtedly believe that all
humans are capable of choosing peace and kindness over fear and hatred.

Let's continue to take action
and support
immigrants and refugees
, because when we welcome the stranger, we truly
change lives and better our world.

Stay hopeful and committed,

Oula Alrifai

**Oula Alrifai**
Assistant Vice President of Field & Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

**NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:**

****

**THE HILL:**Little Amal walks through DC to spread awareness for
refugees

**NPR:**U.S. will resume deportation flights to Venezuela even as
thousands flee that country

**BBC:**Biden approves new section of border wall as Mexico crossings
rise

**AXIOS:**Texas surpasses 50,000 migrants bused to major cities

**AP:**A green card processing change means US could lose thousands of
faith leaders from abroad

 

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