A suicide bomber last week killed at least 53 people – mostly minority girls Hazara ethnic group – outside a training center in Kabul. Here, relatives and friends four young women died, remember your loved ones.
Omulbanin Asghari, 17
My sister had many dreams and she would make our country proud. My family and I are proud of her standing as a young Hazara girl who has endured many struggles, from taking private lessons when education is prohibited, to preparing for college.
It was taken from us in the most brutal way possible. We are broken, but we are determined to support the survivors of this cowardly attack to make their dreams come true. As an educator, I will do everything I can to help them.
He was the baby of our family, the youngest of five siblings, the kindest and smartest. He never lost hope, he was always positive and determined. His biggest goal in life was to study political economy at Harvard University. He had planned this ahead of time – improving the English language and preparing for the Toefl test [Test of English as a Foreign Language for those applying to English-speaking universities]. He studied day and night for the Konkor exams in recent months. [Afghanistan’s university entrance test].
Over the years, she started watching many motivational videos online and reading books about revolutionaries like Che Guevara and global leaders like Nelson Mandela, reinforcing her desire to succeed. An avid reader with a thirst for knowledge reads everything from economics books to psychology.
Something very few people knew about him was that he was a gourmet. potato chips and Kabuli palaw (traditional Afghan rice) was his favorite food and he loved barbecue.
He wanted to make a positive impact on the world, not only for his country, but also for the people of Afghanistan. Omulbanin has always spoken of her intention to work towards the betterment of Afghan women. She wanted to dedicate her life to service, she said. Her determination to defend the women of this country was so strong that she took taekwondo lessons. It breaks my heart that he has done so much good in this world.
All these longings came to an end when I went to the explosion site on the morning of September 30 and found his lifeless body on the ground. I had no words then and now.
By his brother Muhtar Modabber
Vahide, 18
What did he mean for me? He was my everything. My friend who has been sitting next to me every hour of the day for 18 months, sharing every moment of happiness, sadness and beyond. Waheda wasn’t just my best friend, she was like a mother to me. She saved me, she.
He wanted to save others and longed to be a doctor. A rare mix, because he was as good at science as he was at math. We studied for hours for exams and talked at length about our dreams. We wanted to study at Kabul University. If I had to describe your dreams in one word, it would be “education”.
One of his most impressive traits was his fierce loyalty. He would do anything to protect his friends and be there for them. Tough but kind. A kind and honest smile – made your day. She was beautiful.
When asked about one of my most memorable memories of him, I can’t pick one. I’m crying as I write this, but every moment we spend together is unforgettable. No matter what problem I went to him with, he would be willing to solve it. He wouldn’t let you down, she. She would always say, “Mary, I’m here, I’ll take care of it for you.”
He was here with me four days ago. I was running late on my way to the Kaaj Education Center. I arrived a few minutes after the explosion. Since many of our friends were on the ground, I called him. I finally found his lifeless body. Frozen, shocked and trembling, I did not leave his side until his father came. I sat next to him, as I had done in the past months.
Since that day, his father and his entire family have not stopped crying. It’s hard to put into words how broken it is. Her seven sisters and two brothers, who love her very much, cannot get over this tragedy. I visit them every day. I wish I hadn’t come late, I wish I was with you. It’s hard to keep up, but I will continue to work towards our shared dreams. I want to say to the world, “I promise, we’re hurt, but we’ll move on.” For Waheda and all my friends.
By Best Friend Maryam Shafaie
spring, 20
I remember Bahara’s childhood mischief. We tried to hide new things from him because he was always a very curious kid and as soon as he saw something new he would start tearing it up. Not just toys, but random things around the house. Humor was one of his best qualities.
We’ve been asking ourselves since Friday, why would someone take it away from us? He didn’t hurt anyone; He was kind, good-natured and always had a smile on his face. I repeat myself, but he was truly one of the funniest people you could ever meet.
Bahara wanted to study computer science. He never wanted to leave Afghanistan. His goal was to rebuild this nation and help its people. She was killed because she was a Hazara woman. She’s an intelligent woman with a great combination of acting, but seriously determined.
He loved to read and was a good student, but sometimes he would take some time off to watch Indian movies – although he wasn’t a big fan of Hollywood movies. Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff were his favorite Bollywood stars – one of his favorite movies was Khan’s Dilwale. He loved the simple things in life and hoped to build a successful future.
I can’t forget the moment I heard the explosion. I couldn’t breathe. Even when I got to the hospital and found him, I didn’t want to believe it. Why did God take it away from us? I was speechless. She was just like any young woman who wanted to fulfill her dreams and live a happy life. It keeps us and this country up to date. My family lost my precious brother. My brothers and I need to gather strength to deal with this tragedy that we have yet to come to terms with.
Until then, may God help all the families who lost their loved ones. We’re in this together.
By his brother Zohair Yaqubi
Marzia Mohammadi, 16
In one of Marzia’s diary entries, she made a list of everything she wanted to do in life; bucket list games Meeting the famous writer was at the top of the list. Elif Shafakfollowed by a visit to the Eiffel Tower and Paris and eating pizza at an Italian restaurant.
Marzia also wrote that she wanted to ride a bike, listen to music, walk in the park late at night, learn the guitar, travel the world, and write a novel. His uncle, Zaher Modaqeq, who discovered his diary, says these life goals reflect his vibrant personality.
“He was different,” she says, unable to find the words to describe her nephew who died in Friday’s suicide attack.
Modaqeq says that Marzia, the youngest sibling in a large family, is an average student and more interested in the creative arts. But then of the Taliban When he took over, he was more determined than ever to complete his education and achieve his goals.
on August 15, Taliban return to powerHe wrote of people’s fears, the shock and disbelief of “girls like me”. “A whole day wasted,” he wrote. On August 24, she wrote: “I had a tiring day… I had nightmares that I can’t remember but crying and screaming in my sleep. When I woke up, I had an uncomfortable feeling. I went into a corner and cried and felt better.”
In the entries that followed, Marzia wrote that she wanted to take the Konkor exams. His family discovered that he dreamed of being an architect, a career that combined his love of art with academia.
“Each week he kept himself motivated, encouraging himself to study longer. There are regular entries that he was preparing for the weekly practice exams held at the targeted Kaaj Training Center. He would take simulation tests every Friday and his scores would gradually improve,” says Modaqeq.
In his last entry on September 30, he wrote: “Wow, bravo Marzia!”
Marzia’s diary reveals the world of a teenager who wants to learn and explore the world. “I didn’t even know you used to keep a diary like this,” says Modaqeq, with evident sadness in her voice. “Some of his thoughts were so profound that I couldn’t believe they were being expressed by such a young child.”
As Hikmat Noori said
