Heartache Video: 5 Year Old Set on Fire in Iraq (Updated, Bumped)

Jesus wept. There has been some discussion in the Sandcrawler over whether or not the Shriners might be able to help. I hope so.

It's not clear who set this five year old child on fire, the assailants were wearing masks. We can be certain of one thing: it wasn't U.S. soldiers, regardless of what future Scott Beauchamps might suggest.

Warning: tears may flow.

UPDATE 6/23: CNN adds this addendum to the story:

This story has generated an amazing amount of support for Youssif and his family. CNN is in touch with aid organizations that may be able to help. We know how concerned you are and how much you want to help. So we'll pass on information as soon as we have it.

We certainly hope this child will be helped. And soon.

Update II 6/23 (by Howie) Great news, help is on the way for Youssif!

Via CNN: The Children's Burn Foundation -- a non-profit organization based out of Sherman Oaks, California, that provides support for burn victims locally, nationally and internationally -- has agreed to pay for the transportation for Youssif and his family to come to the United States and to set up a fund so you can donate. Photo See photos of Youssif before and after the attack »

The foundation says it will cover all medical costs -- from surgeries for Youssif to housing costs to any social rehabilitation that might be needed for him. Surgeries will be performed by Dr. Peter Grossman, a plastic surgeon with the affiliated-Grossman Burn Center who is donating his services for Youssif's.

Officials are still trying to get the appropriate visas for his travels. Youssif could be in the United States for up to a year for the various treatments he needs.

You can make a donation at the foundation's site by clicking here. There's a drop down menu under the "general donation" area that is marked "Youssif's fund."

When informed of the news in Baghdad, Youssif ran around his house, saying, "Daddy, daddy, am I really going to get on a plane?!"

"I feel like I am going to fly from happiness," his father told CNN's Arwa Damon, who reported the story on what happened to Youssif.

What a great response from people all over the internet and around blogosphere. I truely believe that things like this are just as important as fighting the enemy. Some times allies must be won one at time.

Jesus smiles again!

Posted by: Rusty at 04:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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