Hostage Aid Worldwide

Hostage Aid is a non-profit NGO 501(c)(3) that was recently established in September 2020 by a group of former hostages from around the world, families of hostages and subject matter experts, all of whom, based on their different personal experiences as well as suffering have banded together to fight for the release of hostages globally while aiming to prevent this inhumane act of hostage taking from occurring against other innocent people.

HAW will complement the great work that is being carried out by other important organizations that help and advocate for hostages. In addition to providing humanitarian relief and support to current and former hostages who were unlawfully detained

As a former hostage who was kidnapped for almost 4 years in Iran, I have experienced first hand, the pain, suffering and betrayal that comes with it, but have also known the value of unwavering compassion and support, as well as the real meaning of hope, strength and freedom.

I pray that time will dull the pain of the memories that this tragic incident brings back; this nightmare that I wouldn’t wish even on my enemies. I spent 18 months blindfolded, and had several out of body experiences in the weeks that followed my kidnapping. I suffered endless cycles of hunger strikes to protest the many injustices I was put through. My only crime was accepting an official invitation from the Vice President of Iran to attend and speak at a conference with the intention of helping the community, women and youth to have a better and more prosperous future.

My kidnapping changed my life forever. During that period, I wished, as many who face this most impossible suffering probably do, that my life would just end to relieve me of this intolerable torment.

But as fate would have it, and in answer to the prayers and efforts of many, my long and very traumatic journey in Evin prison finally ended and I was released. It was then that I instinctively knew that I couldn’t stand idly by while others went through the same ordeal. I had to help in whatever way I could.

Today, with many former hostages and good people who are helping, we have established Hostage Aid Worldwide (HAW), a non profit organization to assist and fight for hostages all around the world and support their families during their ordeal. This effort will be in full cooperation with other NGOs working to help hostages.

By working together we will do our best to ensure that the hostage taking business model stops and will clearly be condemned by the United Nations and the world, and hostages will not end up being forgotten by their governments.

I want to thank all the former hostages who decided to join HAW. I am grateful and humbled to be part of this great group of people united in having survived through one of humanity’s great injustices. We welcome you to join HAW and support our efforts to end hostage taking once and for all.

EVENTS


Hostage Aid Launch Event 
04
Mar
Hostage Aid Launch Event
HAW eventHostage Aid Worldwide (HAW), in partnership with the James Foley Foundation, invites you to its upcoming launch event that will host renowned panelists and former hostages to discuss the increasing threat of hostage taking globally and ways to intercept the hostage business model with a focus on JCPOA and international hostage conventions.
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HAW Workshop 
12
Apr
HAW Workshop
HAW eventHOSTAGE AID WORLDWIDE BRINGS TOGETHER MORE THAN 20 FAMILY MEMBERS FROM FOUR COUNTRIES OF PAST AND CURRENT HOSTAGES TO DISCUSS THEIR COMMON EXPERIENCES
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HAW workshop 
17
Jul
HAW workshop
HAW eventIn HAW workshop, Malley commented that the negotiations with Iran on releasing hostages will continue regardless of the outcome of the nuclear Deal.
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HOSTAGE AID WORLDWIDE 
03
Nov
HOSTAGE AID WORLDWIDE
HAW eventHOSTAGE AID WORLDWIDE LAUNCHED IN RESPONSE TO DRAMATIC INCREASE IN HOSTAGE DIPLOMACY BY SOME NATIONS
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#FreeNazanin

24 Mar

Support Iran's Revolution! (London, Manchester, Berlin, San Diego etc) Tickets, Sat 25 Mar 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite #FreeNazanin https://www.eventbrite.com/e/support-irans-revolution-london-manchester-berlin-san-diego-etc-tickets-560944138017

linda grove @linda_grove ·

21 Mar

#FreeNazanin A tune written for Gabriella from a tutor who visited Richard on the hunger strike from the Royal College of Music

Caroline Fossil Fuels are costing us the Earth @drcaclarke ·

20 Mar

Harrowing to watch #freenazanin and to see directly how much suffering took place. So glad it's all over now, but the disregard for human life by both governments was horrific.

A family so full of grace that their strength got them through. What beautiful people they are.

HAW - Hostage Aid Worldwide

17 hours ago

HAW is overjoyed at the news of the release of Paul Rusesabagina.In addition to congratulating Paul’s family, we thank all those across our govt who worked tirelessly toward securing Free Paul Rusesabagina’s freedom & helped in bringing him home.Full Press release available on our website: hostageaid.org/blog/#unlawfullydetained #hostages #humanrights #hostageaidworldwide #freedom ... See MoreSee Less

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HAW - Hostage Aid Worldwide

2 days ago

HAW Daily Brief:Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda fame to be freed from prisonwww.semafor.com/article/03/24/2023/paul-rusesabagina-releaseImprisoned political activist Free Paul Rusesabagina, whose story inspired the Oscar-nominated film Hotel Rwanda, will be released from his incarceration as early as Saturday morning, senior Rwandan and Qatari officials have told Semafor.Envoy Made Rare Prison Visits to Three US Citizens in #China, Official Sayswww.reuters.com/world/envoy-made-rare-prison-visits-three-us-citizens-china-official-says-2023-03...Over the course of the past month, U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns had the first meetings in more than five years with at least three U.S. citizens whom Washington says have been wrongfully detained, a senior U.S. official and family members said. Free Kai Li US Citizen Mark Swidan Arbitrarily Detained 9 yrs ChinaRisch on Announcement of Paul Rusesabagina’s Impending Release from Rwandan Prisonwww.foreign.senate.gov/press/rep/release/risch-on-announcement-of-paul-rusesabaginas-impending-re...“I am heartened to learn of Paul Rusesabagina’s impending release from a Rwandan prison. Throughout his nearly 31-month incarceration, I have followed his case closely and encouraged the United States and Rwandan governments to work toward a resolution.VOA Interview: Family of American Missing in #Iran Discloses FBI Ad Campaignwww.voanews.com/a/voa-interview-family-of-american-missing-in-iran-discloses-fbi-ad-campaign-/701...Sarah Moriarty, daughter of #RobertLevinson: I think they raise my father's case in discussions through intermediaries. I think the Iranian regime just refuses to acknowledge anything. They continue to say that he's not in their country. And the State Department, from my understanding, keeps trying to push. But they get nothing. It's cruel.Blinken Says 'Several Americans' Remain Detained by #Taliban in #Afghanistanwww.foxnews.com/politics/blinken-says-several-americans-remain-detained-taliban-afghanistan"There are several Americans who are being detained by the Taliban. We are working to secure their freedom. The families have asked that we protect their identities and don't speak publicly to their cases," Blinken responded when asked by Rep. Joe Wilson how many Americans remain in the war-torn country.The Aunt of the Released Hostage Olivier Dubois: "The Weight I Had on My Chest is Gone"www.leparisien.fr/martinique-972/la-tante-de-lotage-libere-olivier-dubois-le-poids-que-javais-sur..."I am relieved. The weight I had on my chest is gone. We were preparing for the demonstration on April 8, I had already sent the reminder to my contacts, and put the photo on my status...", she said. Free Olivier Dubois ... See MoreSee Less

Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda fame to be freed from prison | Semafor

www.semafor.com

Convicted on terrorism-related charges in 2021, his release follows intense negotiations between U.S., Qatari, and Rwandan officials.

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HAW - Hostage Aid Worldwide

2 days ago

U.S. Department of State, you may have postponed your trip to #China but the dire situation of Kai Li, Mark Swidan, David Lin & John Cao cannot be postponed!They need you to act decisively to save them.President Joe Biden, these men shouldn’t stay one more minute in the barbaric conditions they are in. #BringThemHomeFree Kai Li US Citizen Mark Swidan Arbitrarily Detained 9 yrs China Ted Cruz Katie Porter Marco Rubio #unlawfullydetained #hostages #humanrights #hostageaidworldwide ... See MoreSee Less

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