WHEREAS; Ahmad Hilal Abid, born in Kabul, Afghanistan, immigrated to Lynnwood, Washington at age seventeen to join his family who'd relocated earlier; and

WHEREAS, In 2020, Abid started teaching a class of 20 immigrant and refugee students in the garage of his family's house, helping them learn English and complete their classwork; and

WHEREAS, Abid named his class the House of Wisdom after a great library built by Caliph Haround Al-Rasheed in 8th century Baghdad, where people from many faiths and regions of the world studied and shared knowledge with each other; and

WHEREAS, Abid has since expanded his class from his garage into a larger rental space, recruiting volunteer staff to provide tutoring in numerous subjects to students, as well as organizing recreational activities and other community events; and

WHEREAS, Abid's House of Wisdom lives up to its namesake, serving as a place where young people adapting to a new country, culture, and language can find support and community; and

WHEREAS, Abid has earned an Associate of Arts degree at Edmonds College and is now working toward a paralegal degree, while also serving as a student leader on campus; and

WHEREAS, In a few short years, Abid has transformed from a new immigrant in an unfamiliar country to a cornerstone of Lynnwood's growing Afghan immigrant and refugee community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Ahmad Hilal Abid for his service to Lynnwood's refugee and immigrant community and to the community of Edmonds College, and for his commitment to promoting his values of diversity, equality, and fairness. His accomplishments embody his belief that, "if we put our hands and minds together and accept our difference, we will be able to restore the House of Wisdom and spread knowledge and love through community and bring people together from different ethnicities and faiths."; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Ahmad Hilal Abid, the House of Wisdom, and to the President and Board of Trustees of Edmonds College.