Refugees Iraqi refugee sponsored by Clooneys strives for 'normal student life' Hazim Avdal, 23, now studies at the University of Chicago. But in 2014, he was forced to flee Iraq when Isis attacked his village Hazim Avdal, 23, is now computer studies major at the University of Chicago. Photograph: The GuardianAn Iraqi refugee who escaped genocide by Isis and was sponsored to come to America by George and Amal Clooney is striving for a “normal student life” despite old traumas and new-found fame. “When I met him I remember being so struck by his courage...and how he spoke even after everything he’s lost, about a desire for justice, not revenge,” Amal Clooney told Letterman. Despite talk of George Clooney running for the presidency, Avdal declined to discuss that or his reaction to Trump’s controversial immigration policies and track record of racial bias.

Source: The Guardian February 10, 2018 11:50 UTC