Africa Calling
Posted by Caroline Pacht on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 at 17:20 pm
A year ago, if someone had told me that I would be on a plane going to Africa, I would have never believed them. Yet, this once-in-a lifetime opportunity presented itself when I was accepted to the HIAS Mission to Kenya and Uganda. It was an experience that I will never forget.
We touched down in Nairobi, Kenya, and were greeted by representatives from HRTK (HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya) and HIAS USA. At HRTK, we learned about the process they follow to submit applications of refugees seeking to immigrate to countries such as Canada and the United States. We had the opportunity to meet the refugees in person and learn about their individual stories.
There was the young, single woman who had trained to be a teacher before fleeing her village, a couple who reunited after being separated for several years, and an older gentleman who left behind a lifetime of achievements in his country of birth. The one constant theme throughout their stories was how quickly a change in political leadership could completely alter their lives. For many of the refugees, their journeys would only end if they could resettle in another country. While refugees are accepted by Kenya in accordance with UNHCR regulations, they are not granted permanent residence status.
Perhaps what surprised me the most was a feeling that was extremely familiar. Listening to the refugees tell their stories reminded me of the stories that my father, a Holocaust survivor, shared with me. Whether you are from a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Poland, the same fears and challenges apply. Also, there are the same dreams for the future. This is why the work of HRTK and its partner, the Refugee Law Project at Macquarie University in Kampala, Uganda, is so important. They are helping refugees find a new path.
Our trip also included the opportunity to experience some of Africa’s wildlife and culture. We visited an elephant reserve and giraffe park in Kenya and saw the amazing bounty of vegetation in Uganda. We also visited the Abayudaya Jewish Community in Mbale, Uganda. It was a great experience talking with members of the community about Jewish traditions in Uganda and the United States.
Since my return to the United States, I am seeking ways to further contribute to HIAS’ efforts in Africa. I provided an overview of the program to my department at work and will be looking to promote the program to local organizations. I encourage other HIAS Young Leaders to participate on future missions, as it surely will have an impact on their lives as much as it has had on mine.
Posted by Masyifa on December 27, 2012 at 6:15 am
Congratulations Kristen and Dave! You are such a lovely cluope. And you, Kristen, are such a gorgeous bride! I love your dress. May you two have MANY years of happiness and love.My best Fe9licitations!Madame Judy Mascolino
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Posted by Jolie KALENGA on January 17, 2013 at 8:46 am
Suis désolé d'utiliser ce canal, Suis l’épouse de Mr. Oscar BENAJMIN, nos inscriptions sont les suivantes:
Groupe N0: 662-11 C04852
Gouvernement N0: 11/10/41/335226
Demande le statut de réfugié N0: 2850/2012 s'il vous plaît aimez-moi je ne sais pas quoi faire.
Cher Conseiller, je me sens déprimé peur et parfois même envie de se suicider. Je lutte avec des sentiments de perte de contrôle et me conduit modification de l'appétit, les habitudes de sommeil ou des fonctions sociales. Je note le changement dans mes habitudes sexuelles à l'heure actuelle, mais parce que suis marié femme parfois je ne peux pas refuser à mon mari parce que je lui montre comment je l'aimais en retour, mais à dire n'est pas facile, je peux me manquer, pouvez-vous vois que nous avons un autre enfant ce n'est pour répondre à la demande sexuelle, en tant que femme, je dois, est l'un de mes responsabilités pour répondre à ces exigences, même quand je le veuille ou non. Ceci ce sont les choses qui me passent par sur mes jours quotidiennes.
• Je me sens agité ou hystérique ou je semble tout à fait calme
• J'ai pleurer attaques de sorts et de l'anxiété
• J'ai de la difficulté à se concentrer, prendre des décisions et faire des tâches simples de tous les jours
• J'ai des émotions, j'agis comme si engourdie ou étourdi
• avoir rappel pauvres du viol ou d'autres souvenirs
• Je continue dans un sens l'angoisse d'impuissance
• J'ai peur persistante et la dépression
• I sautes d'humeur sévères (heureux de colère, etc…)
• I rêves agités, cauchemars récurrents, l'insomnie,
Mais ne fournissent pas ces informations à oscar parce que ce sont intérieure dont je n'ai- pas de mots pour les parlent à lui. S'il vous plaît, est-il un aide, je vous en prie, il y a ce que Oscar ne comprends pas mieux ce qu'il a fait du mieux qu'il la sauver ma vie, mais les sentiments sont là et j’obstine à moi. jolieecc@yahoo.com or 077 2456570
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