A Syrian scientist preparing to relocate to Michigan was featured on Humans of New York's Syrian refugee series this week. Now, he's received a welcome message from President Obama himself.
On HONY's popular Facebook page, the man describes meeting his wife, growing his family and working to obtain his Ph.D. Then, he tells HONY creator Brandon Stanton how a government missile tore his life apart -- killing his wife, his daughter and five other members of his family.
Now, he and his two remaining children live in Istanbul, Turkey, where none of them can work or attend school. The man is also struggling with stomach cancer -- an ailment he hopes to remedy when his family is relocated to Troy, Michigan.
"I still think I have a chance to make a difference in the world," he told Stanton. "I have several inventions that I'm hoping to patent once I get to America."
"I just want a place to do my research," he added.
President Obama, clearly moved by the man's story, left him a heartfelt note in the comments section.
"As a husband and father, I cannot even image the loss you've endured," the president wrote. "You and your family are an inspiration. I know the great people of Michigan will embrace you with the compassion and the support you deserve.
"Welcome to your new home," he added. "You're part of what makes America great."
This isn't the President's first HONY comment. In September, he left an encouraging note to an Iranian father whose son, while carrying a bag of apricots home from the market, gave each one away before they arrived home.
"I hope this young man never loses his desire to help others," President Obama wrote.