My name is Rose; I am the Director of Philanthropy at Karam. The highlight of my job is meeting with kind-hearted donors like you. I was fortunate to accompany Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, on the Los Angeles to San Ysidro, California, leg of her journey to find her mom, a sense of belonging, and community. 

As an undocumented immigrant, I lived in the shadows, navigating a world that often seemed indifferent to my dreams and aspirations. The uncertainty and fear were constant companions, making the pursuit of belonging feel like an unattainable dream. When I became a DACA recipient, a glimmer of hope entered my life, and I began to dare to dream of a future where I could truly belong through community acceptance. 

Undocumented immigrants and refugees often become invisible in the fabric of society. We contribute in countless ways, yet our voices are silenced, our stories untold. It is disheartening to see the ongoing political debates surrounding immigration and forced displacement, where people reduce us to statistics and stereotypes. We are not mere numbers or burdens; we are individuals with dreams, aspirations, and the potential to contribute to society if given the chance.

Little Amal’s journey echoes the struggles many of us face in our quest for a place to call home. The anticipation and excitement for her as she embarks on this adventure are palpable, as is the fear of her heart being broken and the possibility of loneliness and rejection. It’s a fear that mirrors the vulnerability many immigrants and refugees feel when they open themselves up to the world, hoping for acceptance and understanding. 

What strikes me most is the transformative power of hope and the profound impact a simple welcome and a warm smile can have on someone’s life. Little Amal’s story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, a small act of kindness can be a beacon of light, guiding us toward a sense of belonging and acceptance.

I prepared to bid Amal farewell in San Ysidro, a border town between California and Mexico. For years, I avoided borders out of a paralyzing fear of detainment and deportation. I meticulously organized my documentation, ensuring every crucial paper was in place. I wore comfortable shoes, not just for the weather but as a subconscious nod to the countless times I had to move swiftly and discreetly. The sun blazed down at a scorching 94 degrees. The irony of it struck me as I draped myself in unnecessary warmth. It was a vestige of the past, a symbolic gesture of readiness in case I faced detention. I realized that some fears, no matter how irrational they may seem on the surface, have been etched into the fabric of my being. Despite the bright sunlight and the reassurance of my green card, the shadow of fear still lingered. It is a testament to the resilience required to navigate a world where, for so long, the concept of safety felt elusive. 

In sharing this with you, I hope to shed light on the nuanced nature of the immigrant and refugee experience—even after obtaining legal status, the echoes of past fears continue to reverberate. It serves as a call to empathy, understanding, and collective efforts to create a world where no one lives in the shadows of history that is out of our control.

San Ysidro, California, and Reyhanli, Turkiye, may be separated by geographical and cultural distances, but the immigrants in San Ysidro and the displaced Syrian refugees in Reyhanli share common threads of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a better life. In the midst of their journeys, Karam House emerges as a guiding light of belonging and hope for these communities. Karam provides a space for learning, creativity, and skill development, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.

As we follow Little Amal’s footsteps, let us be reminded of the power we hold as individuals to shape a world where everyone has a place of belonging. Thank you for opening your hearts and extending your hands in welcome, understanding that each small gesture contributes to a tapestry of unity and compassion.

In this beautiful journey, Karam has emerged as a force of compassion and support, helping the real-world Amal’s find their way to safety and belonging. Karam stands as a testament to the universal human desire for a place where dreams can flourish, and futures can be shaped with dignity. I am immensely grateful to be a part of the greater Karam community, where genuine efforts are made to create a world where everyone feels valued and embraced.

Thank you for walking with Karam and the Amals of the world.

Walk with Amal

Cheers,
Rose