17 May

American Portrait: Ali And Rena

by Jon Katz
Ali And Rena

Ali (Amjad Abdullah Mohammed) told me he wanted to meet Rena, an immigrant from Yemen. When she saw him, she threw herself into his arms and the love between them both shined brightly. Ali is committed to these children, and they sense it. They are especially loving, a bunch even came over to hug me.

I feel like Ali is a brother, we just connect and talk so easily to one another, we yak on the phone several times a day. We get each other. These children are radiant, they have very powerful spirits, despite their struggles. I am glad Ali will be visiting the farm twice a week through July and August, bringing his small army of children to get out into the country.

To me, this is a very American portrait.

A great use of the farm.

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