Interfaith Library & Operation Allies Refuge Program
Operation Allies Refuge was a U.S. military operation initiated in response to the rapid withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021. The operation was a humanitarian evacuation effort led by the United States that took place from July 14 through August 31, 2021.
The operation involved complex logistics, as it required swiftly identifying eligible individuals, processing visa applications (under mechanisms like the Special Immigrant Visa program), and coordinating flights out of Kabul amidst chaotic and dangerous conditions. It was a monumental task that highlighted the human dimension of the Afghan conflict, revealing both the deep connections formed between Afghans and international forces and the perilous situation left in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal.
During this operation, the U.S. evacuated approx. 124,000 people out of Afghanistan, including vulnerable Afghans who had worked alongside the U.S. forces in Afghanistan over those past two decades. As the Taliban quickly regained control over the country, there was an urgent need to evacuate Afghan allies who had supported the U.S. and coalition forces during the two-decade-long conflict. These individuals and their families faced grave threats from the Taliban due to their association with foreign forces. The operation aimed to provide safe passage for Afghan interpreters, guides, and other partners to prevent retaliation against them.
Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam, founder and CEO of InterfaithLibrary.com, was requested and recruited to create and manage an interfaith prayer space during Operation Allies Refuge, while also providing spiritual counsel for those in need. He was recruited to serve in this capacities due to his expertise, resources, and connections within the humanitarian or interfaith community. He played a role in supporting the resettlement efforts, providing religious support and spiritual comfort to Afghan evacuees, raising awareness about their future short and long term situations, and offered resources for those in need.
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Interfaith Library was requested by federal and local city governments to serve in a capacity that leveraged their expertise in interfaith matters . The rationale for their involvement was as followed:
- Community Integration: Assisting with the cultural and religious integration of Afghan evacuees into diverse American communities.
- Support Services: Providing support services tailored to the unique needs of evacuees, such as religious accommodations, counseling, and community-building activities.
- Interfaith Harmony: Promoting understanding and harmony between evacuees and the religiously diverse populations in their new American locales.
- Advocacy: Acting as advocates for the evacuees, helping to navigate the complexities of their new environments, and ensuring their rights and needs are met.
Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam was asked to take on the role of spiritual leader within the organization’s religious and spiritual efforts. His accomplishments included:
- Building Bridges: Facilitating dialogue and understanding between Afghan refugees and local religious communities, creating an environment of mutual respect and support.
- Providing Spiritual Care: Offering spiritual guidance and support to evacuees coping with the trauma of displacement and the challenges of resettlement.
- Mobilizing Volunteers: Inspiring and organizing a network of volunteers from various faith backgrounds to assist with the practical needs of the evacuees.
- Advocacy and Leadership: Representing the interests of Afghan allies at the local and federal levels, ensuring that their resettlement and integration into society were handled with dignity and respect.
By taking on such a feat, Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam and InterfaithLibrary.com has contributed significantly to the humanitarian mission of Operation Allies Refuge, demonstrating the power of interfaith collaboration in addressing complex global challenges.
For more info on this story, contact Imam Mekye by email: interfaith_library@yahoo.com.