Simon Aban Deng’s remarkable journey from a traumatic childhood in South Sudan to becoming a prominent activist in New York City has captured the attention of many. Kidnapped at the age of nine and forced into three years of slavery, Simon’s early life was marred by unimaginable hardship. Yet, against all odds, he has transformed his pain into a mission for justice.
For the past 17 months, Simon has been a fixture at the NYC hostage rallies—events designed to call attention to the plight of hostages and confront the forces of terror. “I know that when you ignore evil, it wins. We have to say enough is enough,” he passionately declared at the rally, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who have suffered at the hands of extremism.
On October 7th, amid heightened tensions and echoes of past tragedies, Simon compared the day’s events to the devastation of 9/11, underscoring the urgency to confront contemporary acts of terror. His message is clear: the horrors of the past should never be repeated, and silence in the face of evil is not an option.
In a powerful show of solidarity, Simon recently joined a group of fellow South Sudanese in a journey to Israel. Together, they walked from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a symbolic act of support for the Jewish community and a declaration of friendship toward Israel. “I’m proud to be a friend of the Jewish community and of Israel,” Simon stated, reinforcing his commitment to stand against the forces that threaten innocent lives.
Simon’s transformation from a victim of violence to an unwavering advocate for peace and justice has made him a beacon of resilience. His regular attendance at the NYC hostage rallies and his active participation in solidarity events both in the United States and abroad serve as a powerful reminder that personal tragedy can be the catalyst for meaningful change.
Through his ongoing activism, Simon challenges everyone to acknowledge the presence of evil and to actively resist it. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for the values of freedom, justice, and unity.