Edward Norton helps raise nearly $400K for Syrian refugee

Actor Edward Norton has helped raise nearly $400,000 for a Syrian refugee who was featured on the blog Humans Of New York. The money will help the man move to Troy, Michigan.

Norton began a fund on Crowdwise, which has raised $396,933 for the man, who was only identified as “The Scientist.” As People notes, the scientist lost his wife and daughter during a bombing and is currently fighting stomach cancer.

“I saw this story on one of my favorite sites, Humans of New York, and it moved me to tears,” Norton wrote. “This man has suffered profound loss that would crush the spirit of many people and yet he still passionately wants a chance to contribute positively to the world. If we don’t welcome people like this into our communities and empower his dream of making an impact with his life, then we’re not the country we tell ourselves we are.”

The scientist’s story also caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who left a comment on the photo. The president called the scientist and his family an inspiration and assured him that the people of Michigan will welcome him.

“Yes, you can still make a difference in the world, and we're proud that you'll pursue your dreams here,” Obama wrote. “Welcome to your new home. You're part of what makes America great.”