It is amazing what people are capable of achieving if given opportunities. And doesn’t he look younger? Few months ago, Abdul Halim al-Attaa was photgraphed trying to sell biros to passing drivers in the scorching heat in the Lebanese capital, while carrying his sleeping daughter on his shoulder.
After the heartbreaking photo went viral on the internet, a crowdfunding was started in his name. Gissur Simonarson, founder of Conflict News created the twitter account @butpens and an Indigo page to raise $5,000 (£3306) for Abdul and his family.
After three months, the campaign had far surpassed its goal – it raised £186,282 allowing him to open three businesses and employ other asylum seekers. In the last two months, the 33-year-old father of two was able to first open a bakery, and then later a kebab shop and a small restaurant. He also gave away about £16,530 to friends and relatives in Syria.
“Not only did my life change, but also the lives of my children and the lives of people in Syria whom I helped,” Abdul said.
Abdul have also moved with his children from their small one bedroom to a two bedroom flat in an unfurnished building in southern Beirut. His wife returned to Syria, and they are currently separated.
While the apartment is sparsely furnished, his four-year-old daughter Reem – who was sleeping on her dad’s shoulder in the viral photo have few new toys to play with. After three years of being at home, his nine-year-old son Abdullelah, has now gone back to school.
Photo credit: AP