The migration crisis in Europe is making international headlines, and it’s hitting home right here in Northeast Ohio.
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As hundreds of thousands flee war-torn Syria, a Mentor High School teacher is receiving help from students and faculty to help to rescue his three children from Damascus.
Bassam Abdulrahim took to GoFundMe.com to help raise funds to cover lawyer fees and plane tickets.
He wrote that he only asked for financial support out of desperation:
I have been blessed to have worked as a teacher and tutor at Mentor High School for the past 14 years. I take pride in helping my students succeed in school and have enjoyed getting to know the families of my students.
The administration and staff have become my second family.
I am committed to Mentor Schools and hope that I have made a positive impact on the school and community that I love.
Out of desperation, I am reaching out to ask for financial support that will enable me to rescue my 3 children in Syria.
They are trapped in Damascus and live in daily fear of their lives. Terrorists have been attacking the city, and just a few days ago a missile struck a half mile from their home.
I plan to rescue all three of my children, but my immediate need is to rescue my daughter because I fear that she may be taken and sold.
An outpour of support flooded the page, as Mentor Superintendent Matthew Miller said the goal of $12,000 was hit in under 10 hours.
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Students continue to take to social media to help spread the word for the teacher who often goes by "Mr. A":
I've never been so proud to be a mentor student http://t.co/qb2jwTU346 https://t.co/e3WSsXjjBF
— Andrew Davis (@DavisPulpdrew) September 10, 2015
Everyone retweet this. This is from mr A. The sub at mentor pic.twitter.com/qSnowIJrzW
— Ty Cobb (@cobbty62) September 9, 2015
We did it!!! #onceacard pic.twitter.com/XCVG9sKnAa
— Omar (@omar_sour) September 10, 2015
Over $12,000 donated in a day to help out a man trying to save his kids. Mentor isn't just a city, it's a family.
— Corey Plavcan (@C_Plav8) September 10, 2015
Please consider helping out one of our staff members to rescue his children from Syria. http://t.co/ImV3BiFJNJ via @gofundme
— Pam Ferrell (@PamFerrell78) September 9, 2015
If you liked to learn how you can help, click here.
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