Edward Norton raises funds for Syrian refugee profiled on Humans Of New York
Edward Norton has set up a crowd funding page to raise money for a Syrian refugee. The man known only as 'The Scientist' was first brought to the actor’s attention when he saw a profile written on the man on the Facebook page, Humans Of New York. The 46-year-old aims to raise money for the man’s rent whilst he continues creating his inventions.
In the short snippets that accompany his picture, the man explains how he lost his wife and daughter after they were killed in the bombings that destroyed their house in 2013. "Everything ended for us that day. That was our destiny. That was our share in life," he said.
Edward Norton has set up a crowdfunding page for the syrian 'scientist'
After the loss of seven members in his family, he moved to Turkey with his only remaining son and daughter, but was quickly diagnosed with cancer from which he suffers internal bleeding in his stomach. Fortunately he discovered that he has been accepted asylum in America and he is going to Troy, Michigan, where he intends to patent some of his inventions. "I just want to get back to work,” he says, adding: “I want to be a person again. I don’t want the world to think I’m over. I’m still here."
The moving story captured the attention of hundreds of thousands of people on social media including Barack Obama. Writing in the comments sections on the social media page, the US president wrote: "As a husband and a father, I cannot even begin to imagine the loss you’ve endured…Yes, you can still make a difference in the world, and we’re proud that you’ll pursue your dreams here. Welcome to your new home. You’re part of what makes America great."
Barack Obama was moved by the 'scientist's' story posted on the Humans of New York facebook page
Echoing Barack’s sentiments on his crowd funding page Edward said: "This man has suffered profound loss that would crush the spirit of many people and yet he still passionately wants a chance to contribute positively to the world. If we don’t welcome people like this into our communities and empower his dreams of making an impact with his life, then we’re not the country we tell ourselves we are."
The fundraising page has already received $300,000 in donations including a $2,000 donation from the actor himself.
