An Afghan proverb says, “A real friend is one who takes the hand of his friend in times of distress and helplessness.” We now have a chance to extend our hands in welcoming friendship to the thousands of Afghan refugees who will call Camp Atterbury their temporary home.
With America’s longest war drawn to a close, our work is not yet finished. Countless Afghans placed themselves and their families at considerable risk by helping our armed forces in the many years after Sept. 11, 2001. They and others faced potential reprisals from the resurgent Taliban that swept into power ahead of our withdrawal at the end of August.
Atterbury is just one of eight U.S. bases where refugees are being housed pending resettlement.
We owe a duty not just to the Afghan refugees, but also to the better angels of our nature, to help our Afghan friends arriving in America on their journey to a new home in a new land. This nation of immigrants is at its best when we honor our welcoming legacy and provide refuge to those yearning to breathe freely.
If you would like to help, there are numerous ways you can do so. Here are just a few:
— The American Red Cross’ “Operation Allies Welcome” is meeting refugees’ immediate needs by providing food, water and basic necessities, but it requests monetary donations to most efficiently meet needs. Red Cross reported some 125 volunteers are working to aid refugees at Atterbury and other bases. To donate or volunteer, go to the organization’s website, redcross.org.
— If you have material items you would like to donate, check out Indiana-based Exodus Refugee aid organization, which is collecting personal items its refugee clients can use. See a list of the most-needed items online at exodusrefugee.org/take-action/household-donations/.
— Coordinating these relief efforts at Atterbury and other bases are veteran-led units of volunteers operating under the auspices of Team Rubicon. They are assisting with everything from establishing welcome sites to logistics to helping with interpreters. You can support this mission or volunteer at teamrubiconusa.org/resettlement. Team Rubicon also is accepting donations of personal items.
Already, local people and religious and service groups, including some featured in our pages, have answered the call to help our fellow men, women and children. Even small gestures of kindness can mean the world to someone whose life has been turned upside-down.
We Americans have a long, proud tradition of coming to the aid of those facing times of distress and helplessness. We also have a collective history enriched by towering contributions from newcomers to our shores who truly arrived here with nothing. We celebrate them as examples of what makes our nation a shining beacon to so many around the globe.
Officials said a total of 6,603 refugees had been welcomed to Atterbury as of Wednesday. Here, they will get the first taste of their new lives in the United States. Let’s show them our legendary Hoosier hospitality by putting our best hand forward in welcoming friendship.
