The family and friends of Haroon Sharifi, a West Philly resident with Afghan roots, who was stuck in Afghanistan for days after the Taliban takeover of the country, can now breathe a sigh of relief. Haroon arrived back in the United States on August 24th and has made his way back home to West Philly, according to information provided by his West Philly friends. But it took a joint effort by Haroon’s wife, Awista Hashimi (she had stayed in Philadelphia with their five children), and his West Philly friends and neighbors to bring him back home.

Earlier this month Haroon, a permanent resident who along with his wife and children was granted asylum in the U.S. five years ago, made an emergency trip to Kabul to help his family secure medical care for his seriously ill mother. His return flight was scheduled to take place last Monday, the day the airport closed to commercial flights after the Taliban takeover.

In the week following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Haroon tried to enter Kabul Airport four times and each time was turned back. In the meantime, a campaign grew out of West Philly to try to help Haroon get out of Afghanistan. His wife and friends began contacting local politicians, including Congressman Dwight Evans, asking for help in Haroon’s rescue. Awista also wrote an op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer, which was published last Thursday:

Congressman Evans’ office responded to the emails and calls and by the end of last week, Haroon was granted a State Department visa giving him permission to be evacuated from Afghanistan. He finally was able to enter the airport and flew out of Kabul last weekend.

Haroon’s friends and wife believe that the emergency State Department visa provided to Haroon played a key role in his safe return home. His friend Elaine Fultz has sent a letter to Evans thanking him and his staff member Julia Pitts for the help their office provided on behalf of Haroon’s friends and family.

“We are deeply indebted to you both,” the letter reads. “Your office reacted the way one would hope, quickly, efficiently, and with compassion… We will not forget your help.”