A New Life in Colorado

“I feel like I’m a little over a year old,” said 35-yearold Saif, “because that’s when I came to the United States, and my new life began.”

For JFS Case Manager Assistant Saif, the road that led to beginning his new life in Colorado was paved with unimaginable horrors—the types of stories read about in the news that are difficult to comprehend and yet are so important to share. Stories like Saif’s remind us of the atrocities others endure and why we must welcome the stranger.

In Afghanistan, Saif grew up surrounded by fighting. When he was a young child, playing in a field with other children, a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in the area, killing five friends and causing Saif to lose several fingers on his right hand. Shockingly, it wouldn’t be the last time Saif and his family were victims of Taliban violence.

Over his career, Saif was a broadcaster on television and radio, a journalist, and an interpreter for the U.S. Marines—jobs that made him a target for the Taliban. While working with the U.S. Marines, Saif’s convoy struck a road mine, and he endured severe shrapnel injuries to his body. Years later, and two days before his wedding, Saif was covering a political story when a bomber disguised as a cameraman detonated himself. Eight of Saif’s colleagues were killed, and he spent two months in India receiving treatment, recovering, and marrying his wife.

Knowing Afghanistan would never be safe for him and his family, Saif, his wife, their son, and his brother’s family tried to flee before the Taliban stopped letting people leave. Sadly, Saif’s brother and his wife were unable to get out of the country, so Saif took his nephew on their journey United States—a trek that included stays in Qatar, Philadelphia, New Mexico, and finally, Colorado, where they met up with Saif’s other brother and his family.

Despite the hardships Saif endured, or maybe because of them, he is eternally grateful for every day and experience in Colorado. “I am living in paradise,” he shared. “We are in the best country. There’s real humanity here. And, I now have a newborn daughter, who was born here and is a U.S. citizen.”

DID YOU KNOW? You can donate new household items for individuals and families in our Resettlement program. jewishfamilyservice.org/donate/new-home-supply-baskets

As a JFS Case Manager Assistant, Saif, who speaks five languages, helps other resettling refugees transition to life in Colorado, and he connects with refugees based on shared experiences. “JFS is the top agency,” Saif said. “Everyone works hard to help individuals and families adjust. Everything is done in the framework of love.”

In addition to working at JFS, Saif has a second job so he can send money to his family, including his mother, who is still stuck in Afghanistan. “They have no internet service or electricity, and food is scarce. They can’t work because of the Taliban,” said Saif.

Saif is currently attending Emily Griffith Technical College where he is enrolled in the Multimedia and Video Production program. He dreams of being reunited with his family, buying a home, returning to journalism, and opening a restaurant for his wife. The couple also wants to grow their family and open a food pantry for disabled people. Saif’s biggest dream, however, is to have his family granted asylum. “Our life is here,” shared Saif. “We cannot go back.”