Mustafa is a five-year old Iraqi boy. Three years ago, in November 2004, during the U.S. assault on Fallujah, a U.S. missile landed near him as his mother carried him to escape the bombing, cutting off his left leg and causing severe abdominal injuries and a colostomy. He was about 2 years old at the time. His mother was slightly wounded. Our goal is to provide him with medical treatment that is donated by physicians and hospitals here in Portland, and to tell his story so that we can all better understand the human cost of war. Mustafa will live in our community with his father until his treatment is completed. They will then return to Iraq.

Shriners Hospital here in Portland has agreed to treat Mustafa’s orthopedic injuries free of charge. We are still working to arrange care for his abdominal wounds. Mustafa and his father will be arriving in July. Although we don’t know the exact travel date, his first appointment at Shriner’s is on July 24.

A wonderful high school student designed our new NMV t-shirt, that invites the viewer to “ASK ME ABOUT MUSTAFA”! in bright yellow, with black, white, and a red heart. NMV-Portland 100% cotton tees are available and will be at all NMV-Portland events.

Our community is so welcoming and warm. Our NMV community is growing. Many bridges are being built–Arabs and non-Arabs, Christians, Muslims, Jews and many others.

The Portland performance of Heather Raffo’s one-woman show, 9 Parts of Desire, depicting the lives of Iraqi women impacted by war is increasing the interest and awareness of the community in supporting Mustafa and NMV. It helps to have somewhere specific where we can really make a difference.

We welcome anyone interested in this peace and humanitarian project to be involved. There are many ways to get involved: Outreach, media, transportation for Mustafa and his father once they are here, translation, organizing community events, documenting the project in art, music, photography and fundraising.

Contact Ned or Maxine at 503-234-3501 if you would like more information or to get involved. If you would like to donate, please do so here.