
Honestly with Bari Weiss The Story of One Teenager's Escape From Afghanistan
Sep 17, 2021
Esther Joy King, a former aid worker and current congressional candidate in Illinois, shares her harrowing journey of helping a young Afghan girl named Rahima escape the Taliban's brutal regime. They discuss the tumultuous circumstances for women in Afghanistan, the chaotic logistics of escape, and the formation of a modern Underground Railroad. Esther highlights the vital role of ordinary Americans stepping in where the government fell short, emphasizing community effort and the urgent need for global support for those still trapped.
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Rahima's Story
- Rahima, a 15-year-old girl, witnessed people dying at Kabul airport during the Taliban takeover.
- She feared becoming a Taliban bride and would rather die than lose her freedom.
Esther and Rahima's Connection
- Esther, an American in Illinois, taught Rahima in Kabul and became her lifeline during the evacuation.
- Rahima's and Esther's mothers both died of cancer, adding another layer of tragedy.
Rahima's Mother and the Taliban
- Rahima's mother was injured in a Taliban hospital bombing.
- Rahima used her deceased mother's WhatsApp to communicate with Esther, fearing forced marriage.

