In a poignant testimony shared during a recent government meeting, a young woman recounted her harrowing experience of abduction and eventual return to the United States after a decade spent in Egypt. At just seven years old, she was taken from her home in Newark, New Jersey, by her father, who relocated the family to a small village in Northern Egypt. The transition was jarring; she faced cultural alienation, language barriers, and a lack of educational support, all while grappling with her identity in a foreign land.

The survivor described the emotional turmoil of feeling out of place and the struggles she faced, including bullying and a lack of understanding from those around her. As she grew older, the situation at home deteriorated, leading her to reach out to her mother for help. Despite her mother's attempts to navigate the complex legal landscape, it was not until she connected with Dr. Noelle Hunter and the I Stand Parent Network that a plan for her escape began to take shape.

In December 2020, she executed a daring escape, utilizing a network of friends and resources to leave her father's home. After a series of challenges, including obtaining an emergency passport and navigating bureaucratic hurdles in Egypt, she finally secured her identification and was able to return to the U.S. in February 2021.

Now a college student, she reflected on the difficulties of reintegration into American society after such a traumatic experience. While she expressed gratitude for her return, she also highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by other children who may not have the same support or resources. Her story underscores the urgent need for better advocacy and assistance for abducted children and their families, emphasizing that many remain vulnerable without the necessary help to navigate their complex situations.