Friend,

For me and my son, Rehan, tomorrow will be our third Thanksgiving as American citizens. I've been thinking a lot about gratitude, and Rehan is looking forward to family gathering together, his favorite part of the holiday.

In the spirit of gratitude, I wanted to share with you some of my personal reflections, as well as a big thank you.

This year has been challenging for so many people around the world. In Yemen, food prices have soared and the child malnutrition rate is at an all-time high. In Syria, ten years of conflict and a devastating drought have left millions without access to food, clean water or medical care.

I have been thinking especially of my home country, Afghanistan. As I watch the need for humanitarian aid skyrocket and hear about women and girls who fear for their futures, I feel especially grateful for the IRC — and for supporters like you, John, who are dedicated to helping refugee families like mine.

Thanks to you, the IRC has been able to stay and deliver aid when we're needed most. I know firsthand how big a difference that helping hand makes when you are missing home and struggling to start over.

I wanted to make sure you got a chance to read the email below, which explains the incredible impact we have had for families in places like Afghanistan. This life-changing work wouldn't be possible without your compassionate support, and all of us here at the IRC are so thankful for you.

As we gather around the table with our loved ones tomorrow, I hope and know you will continue to keep all those whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster in your heart. And again, thank you for all you do.

— Nargis Bigzad, IRC
Nargis and her son, Rehan
Me and my son, Rehan
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[email protected]
Sent: Friday, November 19th
To: [email protected]
Subject: John, I hope you know how much we appreciate you.


International Rescue Committee | Afghanistan | We really are so grateful for you | Image of two children smiling


John,

In the weeks ahead, many of us will be gathering around the table with our family and friends, reuniting after spending the previous holidays apart. During this special time, I hope you feel our immense gratitude for all that you do to support refugee families.

With you by our side, we've been able to provide vital assistance to people like Zeba, a 19-year-old young woman who fled Afghanistan amid the political turmoil. The IRC is currently helping her and her mother through their resettlement journey in the U.S., delivering the critical health services and resources they need to rebuild their lives.

An aspiring doctor, Zeba shares, "You have been a great help to us. And we will be needing more help so that we can make our life better."

John, as you know, this has been an extremely difficult year, with multiple crises erupting around the world, including in Afghanistan and Ethiopia. It's thanks to you we've been able to reach people like Zeba and so many others.

Here is a look at some of the impact we've made together this year. With your support, our teams on the ground have been able to:
Provide uprooted families in Afghanistan with tents, clean water and sanitation — and support 62 health facilities across the country as malnutrition rates rise.

Deliver health services to 15,000 people, and nutrition assistance and treatment to 2,000 children in Yemen — weekly.

Reach 97,937 people in northwest Syria with our Ahlan Simsim ("Welcome Sesame") childhood education program.

Provide tens of thousands of Ethiopians with critical aid, including clean water, sanitation, primary health care, protection and education, starting from the onset of the conflict in northern Ethiopia in November 2020.
This past year has shown just how connected we all are, and how each of our actions can make a difference for people living across the world from us. John, you are making a difference every day through your generosity and compassion, and we really are so grateful.

Thank you so much, from all of us at the IRC.

Andrea Kost
International Rescue Committee


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