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The '''Adoption of Ala'a Eddeen''' is an ] of a then 9-years old ] boy, who could not walk because he suffered from ], by American Capt. Scott Southworth while he deployed during the ].<ref name=foxnews/> {{Short description|Adoption of a disabled Iraqi boy by an American soldier}}
The '''Adoption of Ala'a Eddeen''' is an ] of a then 9-year-old ] boy, who could not walk because he had ], by ] Scott Southworth while he was deployed during the ].<ref name=foxnews/>


This case became a beginning of the growing campaign for bringing more special needs and orphaned Iraqi children to United States. <ref name=cbs/> This case became a beginning of the growing campaign for bringing more disabled and orphaned Iraqi children to the United States.<ref name=cbs/>


In 2007 "] profiled Scott and Ala’a’s story in its ]". The story got to the final round. <ref name=human/><ref name=cnn/> In 2007, ] profiled Scott and Ala'a's story in its '']''. The story was chosen as one of 6 finalists.<ref name=human/><ref name=cnn/>


== Scott Southworth == == Scott Southworth ==
Before his ] to ] Scott Southworth had no home, no wife, worked a long hours, and "squeezed in his service as a national guardsman" in a small city of ] he lived. In Scott's family it considered to be an honor to serve in the military. He continued the tradition set up by the three generations of his predecessors: his great-great-great grandfather his grandfather and his father. An ] ] Scott finished ] school, and was going to run for ]'s office after coming home from Iraq.<ref name=foxnews/> Before his ] to ] Scott Southworth did not own a home, was unmarried, worked long hours, and "squeezed in his service as a national guardsman". Scott's family considered it to be an honor to serve in the military. He continued the tradition set up by the three generations of his predecessors: his great-great-great grandfather, his grandfather and his father. An ] ] Scott finished ] school, and planned to run for ]'s office after coming home from Iraq.<ref name=foxnews/>


== Meeting and adoption == == Meeting and adoption ==
Scott Southworth was ] to Iraq in 2003. His deployment was to last 13 months. On September 6, 2003, half-way into his deployment Capt. Southworth with his unit visited an ] named for ]. There were 20 kids in the orphanage, all with ],and some mentally challenged. A few ]s, who were taken care of the children, created a small "oasis" of warmth and love in a middle of the ] in which ]. The sisters also taught children to speak ],a foreign language. <ref name=foxnews/> Scott Southworth was ] to Iraq in 2003. His deployment was to last 13 months. On September 6, 2003, half-way into his deployment Capt. Southworth with his unit visited an ] named for ]. There were 20 children in the orphanage, all with physical ]. A few ]s cared for the children and also taught them to speak some ].<ref name=foxnews/>


During their visit to the orphanage the soldiers played with kids. They wanted to make the kids feel better, but it also their way to forget the horror they faced every day on the streets of ]: Twenty soldiers of this unit were wounded, and one was killed while fighting with Iraqi rebels. It was then when Scott first saw Ala'a. The boy, who lived in the orphanage since he was 4 years old, could not walk, but he dragged himself to Scott's side. The boy's English was limited, but he kept saying the word "]". Scott assured the boy that the kids could feel safe now, with Scott and his unit on their side.<ref name=foxnews/> During their visit to the orphanage the soldiers played with the children. They wanted to make the kids feel better, but it was also their way to forget the horror they faced every day on the streets of ]: twenty soldiers of this unit ]. It was then that Scott first saw Ala'a. The boy, who lived in the orphanage since he was 4 years old, could not walk, but he dragged himself to Scott's side. The boy's English was limited, but he kept saying the word "]". Scott tried to assure the boy he was safe now.<ref name=foxnews/>


After the first visit to the orphanage soldiers kept coming back. The attachment between Scott and Ala'a was growing. 31-years old Scott looked at Ala'a as at a younger brother, but for the boy Scott was "Baba," that is "Daddy" in ]. <ref name=foxnews/><ref name=abcnews/> After the first visit to the orphanage soldiers kept coming back. The attachment between Southworth and Ala'a was growing. Thirty-one-year-old Scott looked at Ala'a as a younger brother, but for the boy Scott was "Baba," that is "Daddy" in ].<ref name=foxnews/><ref name=abcnews/>


One day the sisters, who took care of the kids told Scott that in a year of so Ala'a is going to be transferred in another institution, in which conditions would be much worse. It was ] time, when Scott got the news. Devoted ] Scott searched for some reason that could have prevented him from rescuing the boy, and because he did not find any, he decided to adopt the child.<ref name=foxnews/><ref name=abcnews/> Southworth was informed by staff of the orphanage that within a year Ala'a would be transferred to a less hospitable institution prompting Scott to begin adoption proceedings.<ref name=foxnews/><ref name=abcnews/>


Iraqi laws prohibits the adoption of Iraqi children ], but after returning home Scott, was able to secure a humanitarian visa for the boy. By that time Scott won district attorney office, and his income became steady. Scott is grateful for the help from different individuals and organizations that help him to bring Ala'a to United States: "We crossed political boundaries. We crossed religious boundaries. There was just a massive effort — all on behalf of this little boy who desperately needed people to actually take some action and not just feel sorry for him."<ref name=foxnews/> Since Jan. 20, 2005 Ala'a and Scott have been living together. The boy's health has improved significantly, he's attending a ], enjoys ], likes reading, but he's weeping during ] that remind him of bombs from the War on Iraq.<ref name=foxnews/> Iraqi law prohibits the adoption of Iraqi children ], but after returning home, Southworth was able to secure a ] for the boy. By that time Southworth had been elected district attorney, and his income became steady. Southworth is grateful for the individuals and organizations that helped him to bring Ala'a to United States: "We crossed political boundaries. We crossed religious boundaries. There was just a massive effort — all on behalf of this little boy who desperately needed people to actually take some action and not just feel sorry for him."<ref name=foxnews/> Since January 20, 2005 Ala'a and Scott have been living together. The boy's health has improved significantly, he's attending a school, enjoys math, likes reading, but weeps during ] that remind him of bombs.<ref name=foxnews/>


When Scott is asked while he's chosen Ala’a between other children, Scott explains that it was Ala’a who has chosen him. ""Ala'a really adopted me." - Scott says. <ref name=Seattle/> When Southworth is asked why he chose Ala'a, he explains that it was Ala'a who chose him. "Ala'a really adopted me." - Scott says.<ref name=Seattle/>


"] recently profiled Scott and Ala’a’s story in its “Heroes: An All-Star Tribute”" The story got to the final round. The money collected from the show were used to pay medical and legal bills for Ala'a. <ref name=human/> In 2007 ] profiled Southworth and Ala'a's story in its ''Heroes: An All-Star Tribute''. The story was chosen as one of 18 finalists. The money collected from the show was used to pay medical and legal bills for Ala'a.<ref name=human/> The pair have been the focus of a variety of media, including an article in the VFW Magazine,<ref name=VFW/> a full episode on ],<ref name=PBS/> and a presentation at ].<ref name="St. Norbert"/>


He asked Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton for help in bringing other disabled and orphaned children to US.<ref name=cbs/> Southworth asked Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton for help in bringing other disabled and orphaned children to the US.<ref name=cbs/>


By 2009, 16-year-old Ala'a had become a United States citizen.
In February of 2008 ] run an episode based on the story about Scott and Ala'a.<ref name=PBS/>


Southworth says:
In 2009 16-years old Ala'a together with his adoptive father gave a presentation at ]. By that time Ala'a has became a United States citizen, and he "warmed the audience with his joyful personality and friendly view on life".<ref name="St. Norbert"/>


<blockquote>Being upset just isn't enough. Sympathy just isn't enough. These kids need action, and we're in a position where we know these children, we know what can happen here in the United States if they're brought here, and we're going to do something about it.<ref name=cbs/></blockquote>
In 2010 Scott and Ala'a's story was featured in VFW Magazine in ] issue.<ref name=ctpost/><ref name=VFW/> Up to now Scott still continues his campaigning for bringing more orphaned and disabled Iraqi children to USA.
⚫ <ref name=VFW/>

== See also ==
]

⚫ == External links ==
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==References== ==References==
⚫ {{Reflist|refs=


<ref name=Seattle>{{cite web|title= U.S. Marines clamp down on Ramadi|date=February 21, 2005 |publisher=]|url = https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20050221/iraqdig21/us-marines-clamp-down-on-ramadi|access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>
⚫ {{Reflist|2|refs=


<ref name=Seattle>{{cite web|title= U.S. Marines clamp down on Ramadi|date=February 21, 2005 |publisher=]|url = http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20050221&slug=iraqdig21|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> <!-- ref name=ctpost>{{cite web|title= For this Valentine's Day, look a little deeper|date=February 12, 2010 |publisher=]|url = http://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/For-this-Valentine-s-Day-look-a-little-deeper-362857.php|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref -->


⚫ <ref name="St. Norbert">{{cite web
<ref name=ctpost>{{cite web|title= For this Valentine's Day, look a little deeper|date=February 12, 2010 |publisher=]|url = http://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/For-this-Valentine-s-Day-look-a-little-deeper-362857.php|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref>
|title=A Talk on the 'Culture of Death'

|author=Guy Allen
⚫ <ref name="St. Norbert">{{cite web|title= A Talk on the 'Culture of Death'
|date=November 9, 2009
⚫ |author=Guy Allen|date=November 9, 2009 |publisher=St. Norbert times|url = http://media.www.snctimes.com/media/storage/paper1369/news/2009/11/09/News/A.Talk.On.The.culture.Of.Death-3825909.shtml|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref>
|publisher=St. Norbert times

⚫ |url=http://media.www.snctimes.com/media/storage/paper1369/news/2009/11/09/News/A.Talk.On.The.culture.Of.Death-3825909.shtml
<ref name=foxnews>{{cite web|title= GI Saves Iraqi Boy in Long-Shot Adoption
|access-date=11 February 2011
|date=December 25, 2007|publisher=]|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318237,00.html |accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref>
}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


⚫ <ref name=foxnews>
{{cite web|title=GI Saves Iraqi Boy in Long-Shot Adoption|date=December 25, 2007|publisher=]|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/gi-saves-iraqi-boy-in-long-shot-adoption|access-date=11 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062756/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318237,00.html|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
</ref>


<ref name=PBS>{{cite web|title= Iraqi Orphan Adoption <ref name=PBS>{{cite web|title= Iraqi Orphan Adoption
|date=February 1, 2008|publisher=]|url = http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1122/feature.html |accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> |date=February 1, 2008|publisher=]|url = https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1122/feature.html |access-date=11 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110310012902/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1122/feature.html| archive-date= 10 March 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>


<ref name=abcnews>{{cite web|title= U.S. Soldier Adopts Disabled Iraqi Boy National Guardsman Bonded With Abandoned Boy While On Duty in Baghdad |date=March 24, 2005|publisher=]|url = http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnlyinAmerica/story?id=609346&page=1|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> <ref name=abcnews>{{cite web|title= U.S. Soldier Adopts Disabled Iraqi Boy National Guardsman Bonded With Abandoned Boy While On Duty in Baghdad |date=March 24, 2005|work=]|url = https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnlyinAmerica/story?id=609346&page=1|access-date=11 February 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110202074756/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnlyinAmerica/story?id=609346&page=1| archive-date= 2 February 2011 | url-status= live}}</ref>


<ref name=human>{{cite web|title=A Soldier's Thanksgiving|author=Gary Bauer|date=2007-11-22|publisher=]|url=http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23567|access-date=11 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712231605/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23567|archive-date=12 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=human>{{cite web|title= A Soldier’s Thanksgiving
|author=Gary Bauer|date=11/22/2007|publisher=]|url = http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=23567|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref>


<ref name=cbs>{{cite web|title= The Orphan He Couldn’t Leave Behind.Soldier Helped One Of The Baghdad Orphans Years Ago — Can He Do It Again? <ref name=cbs>{{cite web|title= The Orphan He Couldn't Leave Behind.Soldier Helped One Of The Baghdad Orphans Years Ago — Can He Do It Again?
|author=Christine Lagorio |date=July 9, 2007|publisher=]|url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/09/eveningnews/main3035523.shtml|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> |author=Christine Lagorio |date=July 9, 2007|work=]|url = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/09/eveningnews/main3035523.shtml|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070712175205/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/09/eveningnews/main3035523.shtml|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 12, 2007|access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>


<ref name=cnn>{{cite web|title= CNN Heroes gallery final round 2007 <ref name=cnn>{{cite web|title= CNN Heroes gallery final round 2007
|author= |date=November 26, 2007|publisher=]|url = http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/cnn.heroes/vote/inc_vote4q.html|accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> |author= |date=November 26, 2007|publisher=]|url = http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/cnn.heroes/vote/inc_vote4q.html|access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>


<ref name=VFW>{{cite web|title= Wisconsin Guardsman Adopts Iraqi Child <ref name=VFW>{{cite web|title= Wisconsin Guardsman Adopts Iraqi Child
|date=February 1, 2010|author=Blankenship, Janie|publisher=] Magazine|url = http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201002/1965506591.html |accessdate=11 February 2011|}}</ref> |date=February 1, 2010|author=Blankenship, Janie|publisher=] Magazine|url = http://www.faqs.org/periodicals/201002/1965506591.html |access-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>


}} }}

]
⚫ == External links ==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Eddeen, Ala'a}}
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 02:42, 13 November 2024

Adoption of a disabled Iraqi boy by an American soldier

The Adoption of Ala'a Eddeen is an adoption of a then 9-year-old Iraqi boy, who could not walk because he had cerebral palsy, by American Capt. Scott Southworth while he was deployed during the Iraq War.

This case became a beginning of the growing campaign for bringing more disabled and orphaned Iraqi children to the United States.

In 2007, CNN profiled Scott and Ala'a's story in its Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. The story was chosen as one of 6 finalists.

Scott Southworth

Before his deployment to Iraq Scott Southworth did not own a home, was unmarried, worked long hours, and "squeezed in his service as a national guardsman". Scott's family considered it to be an honor to serve in the military. He continued the tradition set up by the three generations of his predecessors: his great-great-great grandfather, his grandfather and his father. An evangelical Christian Scott finished law school, and planned to run for district attorney's office after coming home from Iraq.

Meeting and adoption

Scott Southworth was deployed to Iraq in 2003. His deployment was to last 13 months. On September 6, 2003, half-way into his deployment Capt. Southworth with his unit visited an orphanage named for Mother Teresa. There were 20 children in the orphanage, all with physical disabilities. A few nuns cared for the children and also taught them to speak some English.

During their visit to the orphanage the soldiers played with the children. They wanted to make the kids feel better, but it was also their way to forget the horror they faced every day on the streets of Baghdad: twenty soldiers of this unit were wounded, and one was killed. It was then that Scott first saw Ala'a. The boy, who lived in the orphanage since he was 4 years old, could not walk, but he dragged himself to Scott's side. The boy's English was limited, but he kept saying the word "bomb". Scott tried to assure the boy he was safe now.

After the first visit to the orphanage soldiers kept coming back. The attachment between Southworth and Ala'a was growing. Thirty-one-year-old Scott looked at Ala'a as a younger brother, but for the boy Scott was "Baba," that is "Daddy" in Arabic.

Southworth was informed by staff of the orphanage that within a year Ala'a would be transferred to a less hospitable institution prompting Scott to begin adoption proceedings.

Iraqi law prohibits the adoption of Iraqi children by foreigners, but after returning home, Southworth was able to secure a humanitarian visa for the boy. By that time Southworth had been elected district attorney, and his income became steady. Southworth is grateful for the individuals and organizations that helped him to bring Ala'a to United States: "We crossed political boundaries. We crossed religious boundaries. There was just a massive effort — all on behalf of this little boy who desperately needed people to actually take some action and not just feel sorry for him." Since January 20, 2005 Ala'a and Scott have been living together. The boy's health has improved significantly, he's attending a school, enjoys math, likes reading, but weeps during thunderstorms that remind him of bombs.

When Southworth is asked why he chose Ala'a, he explains that it was Ala'a who chose him. "Ala'a really adopted me." - Scott says.

In 2007 CNN profiled Southworth and Ala'a's story in its Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. The story was chosen as one of 18 finalists. The money collected from the show was used to pay medical and legal bills for Ala'a. The pair have been the focus of a variety of media, including an article in the VFW Magazine, a full episode on PBS, and a presentation at St. Norbert College.

Southworth asked Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton for help in bringing other disabled and orphaned children to the US.

By 2009, 16-year-old Ala'a had become a United States citizen.

Southworth says:

Being upset just isn't enough. Sympathy just isn't enough. These kids need action, and we're in a position where we know these children, we know what can happen here in the United States if they're brought here, and we're going to do something about it.

References

  1. ^ "GI Saves Iraqi Boy in Long-Shot Adoption". Fox News. 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  2. ^ Christine Lagorio (July 9, 2007). "The Orphan He Couldn't Leave Behind.Soldier Helped One Of The Baghdad Orphans Years Ago — Can He Do It Again?". CBS News. Archived from the original on July 12, 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  3. ^ Gary Bauer (2007-11-22). "A Soldier's Thanksgiving". Human Events. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  4. "CNN Heroes gallery final round 2007". CNN. November 26, 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  5. ^ "U.S. Soldier Adopts Disabled Iraqi Boy National Guardsman Bonded With Abandoned Boy While On Duty in Baghdad". ABC News. March 24, 2005. Archived from the original on 2 February 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  6. "U.S. Marines clamp down on Ramadi". The Seattle Times. February 21, 2005. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  7. Blankenship, Janie (February 1, 2010). "Wisconsin Guardsman Adopts Iraqi Child". Veterans of Foreign Wars Magazine. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  8. "Iraqi Orphan Adoption". PBS. February 1, 2008. Archived from the original on 10 March 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  9. Guy Allen (November 9, 2009). "A Talk on the 'Culture of Death'". St. Norbert times. Retrieved 11 February 2011.

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