Out Among Humans
It was as much a sacrament as a picnic for the Afghans once again facing exile.
Eid al-Adha falls on tenth day of Dhul Hijjah. It’s a day of religious observance but also a day long anticipated for feasting and celebration.
Skies and temperatures cooperated as the clans converged on a southern shoreline of the Great Lakes. The finery worn by the Afghan women and girls was in stark contrast to passersby.
As the men set up tables for the feast, the women visited on traditional carpets laid out on the grass. Teenage girls in flowing robes did cartwheels and compared soccer moves.
There was none of the amplified music routinely brought to the shore.
Refugees are keenly aware that some people resent their presence, and despite having legal status they fear being caught up in immigration sweeps. Engaging them in conversation can make them wary.
“Would it be okay to ask a question?” Yes. One of the Afghan men answered, it would be okay.
“Would it be okay to take a photo?” Yes, but only of the men, he added. (His companion offered that the women could be photographed from a distance.)
Their lives have been whipsawed by our invasion and occupation. Afghans who had collaborated with the U.S. military against the Taliban are still vulnerable to retribution since the Taliban regained power.
Afghan refugees, close to a million of them, to whom was granted temporary protection in the U.S. after the fall of Kabul are now facing deportation back to the still-present dangers they had fled.
As they gathered once again to observe Eid al-Adha, they must have been wondering where they would celebrate it next year.
nicholas armbrust
Pat, your reads are appreciated for the thoughts and your efforts presenting them. They give me time, far longer than the two minutes to read, to think about the story. Well crafted and successful work!
This one made me cry, not cry like I wish I could cry, that others gain release, and feel better for it. I just choke-up with a swollen throat and maybe one tear that’s all painful, instead of relief providing. Wish that I could be better at it.
The story of the story you portrayed is deplorable. Seems a familiar word from 2016. Who can now be trusted to help America or Americans as allies, after this decision to send Afghans back to face death, if that’s all that happens, instead of rape, torture, and other horribles before death. Hard to think about as a veteran that we would do this. But, we’re led by POTUS with no personal honor for “losers and suckers” and his life in practice.
Patrick, feel free to remove this comment if it’s not in line with your page intent. “No harm No foul” rule.
Pat Shiplett
Nick, your thoughts are appreciated. And as a veteran you understand the effects of war better than most of us. Be healthy. Pat
Pat Shiplett
I suspect the food they had prepared for their feast was as spectacular as the clothing.
Sharon Kohil
Thanks for putting this photo together with your words,Pat. I’m hoping that stone of the words and images being shared will help some Trump supporters see how destructive current practice is.
Pat Shiplett
They were of great help to efforts in Afghanistan, which unfortunately didn’t do much for our long-term security