San Diego is joining Little Amal’s global tour on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4. Amal is a 12-foot puppet that portrays a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has been traveling the globe in search of her mother.
Amal traveled to the United States in September 2023 to carry out her hunt. Her final destinations are the El Salón Cultural Center in San Ysidro and The Rady Shell in Jacobs Park, her last stops before crossing the international border into Mexico.
Amal will arrive on November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at The Rady Shell in Jacobs Park; the public will be able to witness a special performance by the Animal Cracker Conspiracy puppet company in collaboration with the San Diego Symphony. The dynamic includes a walk with Amal as a symbol to help make a difference.
In coordination with Casa Familiar and the UCSD Global Justice Center, Amal will arrive in San Ysidro on Saturday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at the Centro Cultural El Salón.
In San Ysidro, the activity will start at 125 Cypress Avenue. You will then stroll through the neighborhood to the Living Rooms at The Border community space, located at 114 W Hall Ave., San Diego, CA, 92173.
Amal will gather notes there for immigrant families residing over the border in Tijuana.
It is possible to support refugee kids worldwide through the Amal Fund with Choose Love. Donate to this worthy cause at chooselove.org/theamalfund.
Amal has been on a journey since July 2021, traveling over 6,000 miles to visit 97 towns and cities in 14 countries. During her travels, she has been welcomed by more than a million people on the streets, including various artists, civil society, and faith leaders. She has also gained the attention of tens of millions online.
Little Amal has become an international icon for compassion and human rights. She carries a message of hope for displaced people globally, especially children who have been separated from their families.
The puppet of Little Amal was designed and built by Handspring Puppet Company, who also created the puppets for the renowned play War Horse, establishing them as one of the world’s most important puppet companies.
Her mission is to draw attention to the vast numbers of children fleeing war, violence, and persecution, each with their own story. Her message to the world is urgent; “Don’t forget about us.”