As my 30th birthday approaches, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding half a world away. Innocent men, women, and children who only wish to live in peace have lost their ancestral land. They have lost their homes, businesses, children, family members, and independence. What they have not lost is their hope.
In 2016 I was fortunate enough to spend three months in Armenia through the Birthright Armenia program. During my trip, I had the utter privilege of getting to stay in Artsakh. The pictures you see here are from my trip. I don't know what has and will happen to these places and I don't think I will ever be able to go back.
While there I met so many kind, happy, wonderful people. Today I wonder if these people are still alive. I will not get into why these horrific events are happening. Why a country continues to choose hatred and devastation over peace and common ground. Why they continue to bomb, destroy, and kill all who live there without remorse.
As this situation worsens, thousands are expected to need food, shelter, medicine, and other basic essentials. So, my friends and family, I am challenging us all to raise $3,000 by October 3rd for my 30th birthday. Please consider donating in honor of people who deserve the same basic human rights as us all. If you can't donate, please share. Your support will mean more to me than you'll ever know.
If not for me, do it for the toddler who has lost his father.
Do it for the grandmother who would rather stay and die in the land she's lived in her whole life than leave.
Do it for the generations to come to show them that we stand up to injustice and hate.
With gratitude,
Natalie
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"I'm donating my birthday to support families affected by this horrible situation in Artsakh.
Once again, Azerbaijan has attacked Artsakh, echoing the grim events of 2020. Bombing and shelling has been targeted at civilian and military citizens as well as communication lines. We have little information about the situation, but there are already multiple casualties.
Armenia expects lots of IDPs from Artsakh, and I know that many urgent needs will arise with winter around the corner. I want to donate my birthday to support Ayo! as it quickly mobilizes to raise funds to help people in need."
#ForArtsakh