A moving Globe & Mail feature published recently recounts the harrowing story of Operation Abraham, an initiative co-founded by Gowling WLG partners Lewis Retik and Jacques J.M. Shore, C.M., as well as former Afghan journalist Dr. Farouq Samim, to help Afghan allies escape persecution from the Taliban.

Following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, countless Afghans faced grave threats and reprisals for their previous associations with the governments of Canada and other Western countries. With many individuals and families at risk, Lewis and Jacques were propelled to take action.

Over the next three years, they would work closely with multiple individuals and organizations, including several members of Gowling WLG under the banner of the firm's pro bono program, to extract vulnerable people from Afghanistan. Operation Abraham would ultimately help more than 1500 Afghans escape persecution, hundreds of whom would come to resettle in Canada.

Click the link below to read the full account (subscription required):

About Gowling WLG's pro bono program

For over a century, Gowling WLG has provided pro bono legal services in communities across Canada to those who need them most. Our pro bono clients include charities, community organizations, and individuals who are marginalized or disadvantaged and without means to obtain legal counsel. Our firm also performs legal services at no charge in support of organizations that advocate for the public good in matters of broad public concern.