Refugee Sells Pens on the Street to Survive

There is no doubt that many Syrian refugees are having a difficult time, but when people come together, they can truly accomplish great things. That becomes obvious when you hear the story of Abdul Halim al-Attar, a Syrian refugee who was selling pens on the streets of Beirut. He was doing so just to survive and to provide both food and shelter for his family.

A recent picture of Abdul has gone viral and when you see the picture, you will realize why. It was captured as he tried to sell pens while holding his daughter in his arms.

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His daughter’s name is Reem, and as she is sleeping on his shoulder, he is walking from one passerby to another, trying to persuade them to purchase some pens. The temperature on the streets in Beirut is scorching hot, but these two stick together through the difficulty.

The picture is quite heartbreaking and many people were touched by it after it was posted online.

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The man who took the picture was a Norwegian web designer named Gissur Simonarso. After the picture went viral, a crowdfunding campaign was started and organized to help raise money for this man and his family. The Internet community has come together to show true love and support for Abdul.

The fund has now raised over $200,000 for his family.

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You will be happy to know that the money raised by the crowdfunding campaign is being put to good use. Abdul was only 33 years old, yet he had the good sense to open 3 businesses with the money he received. First, he started a bakery and then he opened a kebab shop, followed by a smaller restaurant.

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This man went from selling pens on the street to a business entrepreneur within just a few days. He also employs 16 Syrian refugees. There are over 1.2 million refugees in Lebanon alone and finding employment has been very difficult for those individuals. He is providing 16 people, as well as their families, with an opportunity to work for their needs.

In addition, Abdul gave away some of the money that was raised for him to friends and family members in Syria. He says:

“Not only did my life change, but also the lives of my children and the lives of people in Syria whom I helped.”

Along with opening three businesses and sharing money with others, he has also rented a two bedroom apartment. The picture below shows Abdul and his daughter, Reem. Their nine-year-old son also lives with them.

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It only took one act of kindness to truly change the life of Abdul, his family and many others.

It doesn’t matter how much you give or how much you can share, when you give, it makes an impact!

Please share this inspirational story with others