No, the title is not a messy typo. Rather, it is “Goodbye and Good Luck” in Dari.

It’s been a long journey for the Ebrahimi family.  It began in 2021 when 23-year-old Sediq and his 14-year-old brother Masi were airlifted from Afghanistan. With help from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Refugee Assistance Partners (RAPNJ), they resettled in Elizabeth, NJ. In 2023, their parents and four siblings suddenly arrived. Eventually, the reunited family relocated to Montclair.

Members of Shomrei’s Refugee Assistance Group, led by Shirley Grill, Andy Silver and Judith Antelman, along with a group of tireless and hardworking congregants, helped them on their journey.  In addition to financial assistance, this meant connecting them to doctors, dentists, and lawyers; employment, housing and educational opportunities; donations of cars and furniture; and drivers to English as a Second Language lessons and soccer practice and games.

Along this arduous journey, Sediq found time to go to college, work full-time and fall in love.  Immediately after Masi’s graduation from Montclair High School, the entire family relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, to be near Sediq’s fiancée and her family. (By the way, Masi has already started an apprenticeship with an electrician.)

Before the actual move (by car and by plane), Shirley and David hosted a farewell party for the family and members of Shomrei’s Refugee Assistance Group. Sunam Hamkar (the mom) prepared an authentic Afghan meal to thank everyone for their support.

Even better than the meal were the heartfelt speeches given by Sediq, Shirley, David and others. Tears and laughter, hugs and smiles filled the evening. We had become one family blessed with love, joy and optimism.  We were proud of sharing this moment in American history.

Thanks to everyone at Shomrei who contributed to making one family’s American dream come true.