The tragic story of a Syrian refugee who is headed to Michigan is getting a lot of attention - especially from President Obama.
A Facebook post from Humans of New York features an unidentified Syrian scientist who lost his wife and daughter after their home was hit by a missile.
Thousands are sharing the story-- and local Syrians are hoping it will garner support to help end the refugee crisis.
Two issues have become synonymous: anti-Muslim sentiment and opposition to Syrians finding sanctuary in America.
Now, the man's story is answering to critics of both.
The Humans of New York Facebook page continues their series of Syrian refugee stories.
(1/7) “My parents were supportive of my education, but they didn’t direct me. My father was a farmer and my mother was...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(2/7) “Our marriage wasn’t arranged. We married out of love. We met when we were students at university. She was...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(3/7) “I built this compound for my family. I saved the money for it, I designed it myself, and I oversaw the...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(4/7) “I was overseeing a project outside the city when the missile hit my house. Nobody was around to help, so my son...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(5/7) “Everything that wasn’t destroyed in our house was stolen over the next two days. We left with nothing. I can’t...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(6/7) “I had no problems before the bombing. I think the cancer came from my sadness and my stress. It’s in my...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(7/7) “I still think I have a chance to make a difference in the world. I have several inventions that I’m hoping to...
Posted by Humans of New York on Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The president commented from his personal Facebook account:
Last night President Obama wrote a very sweet welcome note to the scientist in Tuesday's story.
Posted by Humans of New York on Thursday, December 10, 2015
When the scientist arrives here, he will likely get support form the Syrian American Rescue Network, which says his story is, tragically, all too familiar.
While Syrian refugees have been linked to anti-Muslim sentiment, many refugees are Christian. Others practice different faiths or none at all.
The Syrian American Rescue Network is notified only a day or two in advance of upcoming arrivals. So far, they have not yet been told the scientist will arrive at his new home.
