Obama's response to Troy-bound Syrian man goes viral

Kat Stafford | Detroit Free Press

In a moving Humans of New York post that's gone viral on Facebook with thousands of likes and shares, President Barack Obama welcomed a Syrian refugee who has been approved to move to Troy after he lost his wife and daughter when a missile filled with shrapnel and needles tore through his family's compound.

"As a husband and a father, I cannot even begin to imagine the loss you've endured," Obama said, on the Humans of New York Facebook post. "You and your family are an inspiration. I know that the great people of Michigan will embrace you with the compassion and support you deserve. 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."

Humans of New York, a vibrant blog founded by Brandon Stanton that features strangers in New York, shared the story of the unnamed man, who said he worked as a scientist in Syria. Stanton recently embarked upon the new series, "The Syrian Americans," to highlight the voices of refugees.

In seven different posts, Stanton told the story of the man who described his life from the time he was raised in Syria to when he lost his wife and daughter.

The man said he's been living in Turkey for two years now but hasn't been allowed to work. The man has since been diagnosed with cancer, according to Stanton, but he hopes to still have a chance to "make a difference in the world."

"I just want a place to do my research," he told Stanton. "I learned today that I'm going to Troy, Michigan. I know nothing about it. I just hope that it's safe and that it's a place where they respect science. I just want to get back to work. I want to be a person again. I don't want the world to think I'm over. I'm still here."

Contact Katrease Stafford: kstafford@freepress.com or 313-223-4759.

Read the entire string of posts from Humans of New York:

Can't see the posts? Follow this link.