A Hero Gets -- and Gives -- Thanks (Lawyer who helped save PFC Lynch)

Washington Post ^ | 5/9/03 | Caryle Murphy

[saquin]

A Hero Gets -- and Gives -- Thanks
Fellow Lawyers Honor Iraqi Who Saved a U.S. POW

By Caryle Murphy
Washington Post Staff Writer

Friday, May 9, 2003; Page A01

WILMINGTON, Del., May 8 -- For more than a month, he had been a hero in hiding, an ordinary Iraqi who risked his life to save an American prisoner of war. Today, wearing a brown suit and a patch over an injured left eye, the Iraqi lawyer who brought rescuers to Jessica Lynch made his debut appearance before a grateful American audience.

[snip]

The slightly built Rehaief, who sported a blue tie emblazoned with the U.S. flag, appeared deeply moved by the tribute from fellow lawyers.

"Thank you so much," the 32-year-old said repeatedly, gripping the award -- an engraved silver platter -- with two hands, as his wife, Iman, and 5-year-old daughter looked on.

Rehaief did not make further remarks and was not available for interviews due to a potential book contract, according to Tom Kalil, who is putting up the Rehaiefs at his Northern Virginia home.

[snip]

Despite their limited English, the Rehaiefs have been enjoying suburban American life, Kalil said in an interview. They have eaten at McDonalds, attended a private Kentucky Derby party and gone shopping. "We had to get them clothes, shaving supplies, toothbrushes. They had nothing," Kalil said.

One thing they had brought with them, Kalil said, was a U.S. flag that Rehaief had asked for and been given by the Marines he met in Iraq.

[onyx]

If only the majority of Muslims were like him!

[highpockets]

Man this is such a great country. I do thank God everyday that I was born here and get to be around so many wonderful people. America is in my heart and my heart belongs to America.

What a great place to be.

[ancient_geezer]

If only the majority of Muslims Lawyers were like him!

He gave a whole new meaning to walking that "extra mile".

[Walkingfeather]

amen

[krb]

I think it's more like 1 in 21...

[doug from upland]

Duh, you are right.

[VOA]

One thing they had brought with them, Kalil said, was a U.S. flag that Rehaief had
asked for and been given by the Marines he met in Iraq.

I have the feeling there was an American inside this fellow just waiting to break out.

(I mean that in a more positive manner than it was expressed in "Full Metal Jacket".)