One year ago today, 183 people lost their lives in the bombing of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. At least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. service members were killed in the blast, which signified the effective end of the massive military relocation effort following the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban. Dozens more were injured and continue their recovery.
This is an incredibly painful anniversary for so many, and our hearts are with the loved ones of those whose lives were taken, the Afghan community in the United States and abroad, the U.S. military and veteran community, and all those who worked (and continue to work) tirelessly to support Afghans seeking safety.
Today and every day, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service grieves with you. We pray for peace and healing; we call upon those in power to take action and protect our Afghan neighbors through the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act; and we encourage those struggling with the emotional and spiritual weight of this day to seek community and mental health support.