U.S. Senator Mark Warner visited Richmond Jamatkhana to learn more about the Ismaili community and the resettlement effort of Afghan refugees. The Virginia senator met with National Council President, Al-Karim Alidina and Northeast Council President, Aly Alibhai, on May 14, 2022 to better understand who the Ismailis are and discuss issues facing the community locally and across the United States. Senator Warner also addressed roughly fifity Jamati members and heard personal stories of recently-settled Afghan refugees.
Since America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, Senator Warner has pushed the Biden administration to ensure the safety of Afghans who worked closely with the U.S. government. He voted in favor of $915 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan and has repeatedly called for additional funding to address humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and globally.
Sen. Warner with Jamati members
In President Aly’s welcoming address, he said, “While many of the first members of our community came from Africa, India, Pakistan, and Syria, many of the new members have ties to Afghanistan…they’ve been able to add to the diverse mosaic that we see in Virginia.” He stressed the importance of civil society and governments working with communities, like the Ismailis, for the betterment of society.
Acclaimed Chef Hamidullah Noori, attended the event and shared his experience of moving to the America. In 2019, Chef Noori opened Mantu, a restaurant in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in Afghan food. Mantu restaurant has fed nearly 3,000 meals to Afghan refugees at Fort Pickett.
The event concluded with Senator Warner touring the newly opened Richmond Jamatkhana and observing an Early Childhood Development class in session. He expressed his sincere appreciation and looks forward to furthering ties with the Ismaili community.
