(BEIRUT) — Three-year-old Haidar Moustafa lost both of his parents on Nov. 12, following the double suicide bombings in Beirut which killed at least 43 people and wounded more than 239 others.
Haidar’s story captured media attention when he told reporters he witnessed his mother burning, and father bleeding from the head, according to Maya Cheatani, who set up a fund to raise money for Haidar’s medical expenses and future education.
And now thanks to an army of social media users, Haidar will meet his favorite football player, Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Great News: Haidar got a phone call from Spain to arrange him a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo #CristianoMeetHaidar
— Real Madrid Lebanon (@RealMadridLeb) November 17, 2015
According to journalist Rana Harbi, the hashtag #CristianoMeetHaidar was trending on Twitter just one day after the campaign first began.
“I’m out of words. Can’t believe Haidar will actually meet Cristiano Ronaldo,” Harbi tweeted. “Thanks everyone. Never underestimate the power of a tweet.”
The twin suicide bomb attack struck the southern Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh during rush hour. Media outlets report at the time of the bombing, Haidar’s family were heading to buy bread.
Haidar was reportedly sitting in his mother’s lap when the first bomb detonated on the passenger side of their car.
Cheatani, a Lebanese-Canadian, set up a GoFundMe page on Nov. 16 called “Fund for orphan Haidar Mustafa.” She said since crowdfunding sites are not widely available in Lebanon, she will forward 100% of the donations to Haidar’s close family.
“Nothing will replace the presence of the orphan’s young parents but our humanity can help make his life a little easier,” Cheatani wrote. “Contributions are all welcomed, big or small, we thank you for the helping hand.”
More than $17,000 has been collected so far. To donate, visit gofundme.com/HaidarOrphan.
(Photo via @RanaHarbi/Twitter)