Ahmad
Ahmad Roman, an Afghan immigrant, sought refuge in the United States following the tumultuous events of August 16, 2021. Evacuated from Afghanistan by the US military with his two sons, Rahman and Uzair, Ahmad faced the heart-wrenching reality of leaving his wife and daughter behind due to the harrowing circumstances in their home country.
Having served the Afghan government in Kabul, Ahmad's decision to flee was driven by a palpable fear of the Taliban, spurred by his professional duties and political beliefs. Settling in Los Angeles as a single parent, Ahmad embarked on the arduous task of raising his children in the absence of his wife, navigating the myriad challenges that came with assuming sole responsibility for their well-being.
Despite tireless efforts to reunite his family, bureaucratic hurdles impeded Ahmad's journey. Undeterred, he turned to alternative avenues for assistance. Through a fortuitous encounter with a colleague, Ahmad learned of the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) and reached out for support. Moved by his narrative and having funds available, the agency swiftly extended a $10,000 interest-free loan, tailored to his financial needs.
Empowered by this lifeline, Ahmad utilized the loan to facilitate his wife and daughter's travel to the United States, a reunion that materialized on April 25, 2024, after a painstaking wait of over two years. Reflecting on this transformative experience, Ahmad acknowledges the pivotal role played by the JFLA in actualizing the long-awaited reunion with his loved ones.
Ahmad epitomizes resilience, fortitude, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His testimony underscores the profound impact of community support, humanitarian aid, and the invaluable assistance rendered by organizations such as JFLA in fostering hope and unity amidst challenging circumstances. Ahmad imparts a powerful message of perseverance, solidarity, and the redemptive power of compassion in transcending barriers and bridging distances. His story serves as a testament to the transformative potential of collective goodwill and underscores the profound impact of initiatives that extend a helping hand to those in need.