Mustafa — update

When Noah Baker Merril and I were in Jordan recently, we had a long-awaited opportunity to visit with Moustafa, six years to the day that he was thrown off his roof by the concussion of a US missile, breaking his back. And Moustafa had a surprise for us.

We visited Moustafa at a friend’s home. And the first thing that Moustafa did after greeting everyone, was to show us how he can lift himself out of his wheelchair, using a walker for balance. And how he can stand, balancing himself with almost no support from the walker. He radiated pride and satisfaction and joy. And we were delighted to share in it. 

It was extraordinary to be with Moustafa, knowing what he has come through. If you have seen the film that DAI just produced, The Rivers, then you had a chance to watch Moustafa, with a tremendous effort, walk across a room, using a walker.  And you had a chance to listen to him speak about his struggle to overcome bitterness and despair in the aftermath of his injury, a profound testimony to his strength and courage and wisdom. 

Being with Moustafa, I was also struck by his gentleness and by how much he needs the support of his Iraqi and American friends. We forget how thin the line can be between hope and despair for Iraqis who have lost so much, and how much our support can mean.

Moustafa also updated us on the progress of his case for resettlement. DAI is committed to supporting his physical therapy for as long as he is in Jordan.

If you are interested in the film, The Rivers, it is available by contacting DAI at info@directaidiraq.org