Bilal — lost during the war in Mazar-i-Sharif, 2011

In 2011, the war tore my family apart in Mazar-i-Sharif. My grandmother, Bilal, was lost in the chaos and I have never found them. The refugee camp became home for months before we could move on. During the bombing of our neighborhood, Bilal was separated from the rest of us. I remember Bilal as someone who always kept the family spirits up. I cherish the memory of the way they could fix anything with duct tape and determination. The last time we heard anything was 2021. A fellow refugee mentioned seeing someone matching their description in a camp near Birmingham. Bilal would now be approximately 62 years old. I would recognize them anywhere — thin and wiry, always moved with quick energy. My children ask about them, and I don't have answers to give. If anyone has information about Bilal, I beg you to contact us. We have registered with every tracing service we could find.