Islam, a 27-year-old Egyptian, married and father of two children, arrived in London via the refugee corridor that runs through Eritrea in search of a safe haven on the old continent. Graduated in aeronautical engineering at the ATIS Aviation Academy, with the social crisis that hit the country and in flight from a war he says is not his, he chose to look for a way in Europe to provide a better future for his family.
When he arrived in London via the Channel Tunnel and disguised in a freight wagon of the convoy crossing the border, Islam sought political asylum at the American embassy. His wife and children had left them in the house of a French family, whose man had been a fellow student at university time.
When Islam was accepted by the political and social structure of Britain, Islam also applied for residence visas for his family, and to travel by train to the capital, London. With the traditional social assistance of the country of Queen Elizabeth II, Islam got an apartment to live in and enrolled the children in public school. He sought work and, despite being a lawyer, the host country did not immediately recognize the diploma presented; He needed to attend a training with bulky hours. To carry out some exams and only later the academic formation could be recognized him and with that it can compete for possible vacancies of employment n area. It turns out that this training would have a year and a high cost, not reimbursed by the English State.
He resolved, even because he had a family to support, to find a job outside his area of training and thus organize his new life and save some money and later attend the training that would guarantee the recognition of his Egyptian doctorate.
After a few days of searching, Islam landed a job at the Bar / Restaurant in the St. Pancras Station service area. On the appointed day he presented himself to the service. Those responsible for the establishment had appreciated their friendliness and cordiality. Islam began to work and quickly learned all the tasks it needed to develop. He easily began to empathize with the customers of the Bar / Restaurant.
Faithful follower of Islam - Of good Islam - he used to answer, who asked him about the most radical readings of the Qur'an. Islam followed its principles religiously; Reva, fasted and spread his faith in a mosque near the house where he resided. He had always been cherished by the community where he was a part, and no one had ever pointed his finger at inquisitive behavior. He wore Islamic clothing, as did his wife and children, for he said, - I do not want to lose the identity of my roots.
He always respected the period of Ramadan, as good as it was Islamic. He fasted from dawn to dusk without, however, neglecting his family, social, religious and labor obligations.
Islam, whenever possible, accompanied the children to school. He became aware of his academic development and, in his home, together with his wife, kept within his Islam, conveying their values, instructing and debating them. It was his desire that the children should maintain the knowledge of Egyptian writing and reading.
They had been in England for more than two years when, one day, while working, four agents of the London police netropolitana, approached. Realizing the approach of the four men of authority, Islam lifted his head, smiled at them, as was his appanage, displaying a set of well-aligned and flawlessly white teeth.
- Good morning, officers, what are you going to wish for this fine morning?
- Mr Islam Abdu?
- Yes it's me! - his countenance was questioned.
- You're in custody! - said one of the officers, while two others held him violently, handcuffing him. - - And do not offer resistance.
- But ... what did I do? - he asked.
- What's going on here? - asked the owner of the Bar, as he saw the police take Islam, Forcible.
- I did nothing! I did nothing! - he was saying, as he was dragged by two officers with considerable physical bearing.
- What did he do? Why are you holding him? - asked the bar owner, one more time, to the police officer.
- Who are you? - the police questioned.
- I am the owner of the Bar and the master of Islam.
- Your official is suspected of being associated with a terrorist group.
- this is impossible. Islam is a good person, a good father, a good husband, and an excellent worker.
- These are the worst. - commented the agent - will be heard.
- Where will you take him?
- I can not make this information available to you.
- But he needs a lawyer.
- Do not worry about it.
- It's his right.
- Do your job that we do ours. Said the agent, withdrawing.
Immediately some were the people, some clients of the Bar, others not, started conversations with inappropriate comments.
- A terrorist between us and we did not even know it.
- We could have died.
- You saw, I could have kidnapped our children.
- This apple never deceived me.
- They should have killed him now. It was thus guaranteed that he would never hurt anyone again.
He listened to those and other comments that did not convey the image of Islam, the owner of the Bar went to one of the tables and, addressing the older lady who was sitting there, questioned her:
- Miss Francis, when your wallet was stolen, out there...- pointing toward the front door, - ...who ran after the robber and retrieved his belongings?
- It was Islam, -she said in a whisper, staring at the floor.
- Ah! And you still think he's a terrorist? - turned his back without giving time to answer - And who gave blood when his grandson had the accident and needed a transfusion? - a middle-aged, man, he asked.
- It was Islam. - replied.
(to be continue)
Foto: Alamy
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