Roanoke Iraqi family celebrates World Refugee Day

By Mollie Halpern
Investigative Reporter
Published: June 20, 2008

Read past stories about this family

Today is world refugee day - a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of refugees around the world, most of whom have suffered political strife and religious persecution in their home countries.
Iraq is the nation with the largest number of displaced people.
We’ve been following the resettlement process of an Iraqi family since their arrival in Roanoke nearly 2 months ago.
Deena Kharalla, an Iraqi refugee now living in Roanoke says, “I love America!“
The journey to the United states was a long road for the Kharalla family.
Their marathon finally ended when the Iraqi Political Refugees were granted permission to settle in Roanoke.
Hayder Kharalla, an Iraqi Refugee, says, “This is very peaceful and beautiful neighborhood.“
Adapting to their neighborhood, means learning the english language for Deena—she spends two days a week with a tutor.
English is coming naturally to 5-year old Ali.
Ali cheers, “America! Virginia! Roanoke!“
“Ali really enjoys playing american video games, and when he’s not taking down the bad guys, he enjoys playing in the park.  But it’s difficult for Hayder to take him there because of the pain his prosthetic leg is causing him.
Hayder says, “It’s just like a knife if you can feel it, sharp it’s very sharp and it hurts me.“
Hayder’s leg was amputated below the knee after the convoy of U.S. soldiers he was interpretting for, took enemy fire-from three different directions.
He tried to save his U.S. Sergeant…
Hayder reflects, saying, “I was trying to get him out of the crossfire and then suddenly my first leg was shot then they shot my second leg.“
Hours earlier, Hayder and the sergeant were playing a video game together.
It was a game they never finished.
The sergeant died—and left behind a family.
It’s that soldier’s family, and those of other fallen American soldiers, Hayder wants to help by raising money through a charity run.
But he needs a new prosthesis to take part in it.
Hayder says, “I just want to do this, i just want to help out i just want to say thank you to America that they brought me over here and gave me a new life.“
A new life in America—the beginning of another marathon.