The reunion of a woman with the man who helped her 24 years ago is what the internet is for
If the internet goes on trial for being responsible for the crumbling fabric of society, this story will be exhibit one for the defence. A woman named Mevan Babakar turned to Twitter with a request that struck a chord with a lot of people; she was trying to find a man who meant a great deal to her.
Hi internet, this is a longshot BUT I was a refugee for 5 yrs in the 90s and this man, who worked at a refugee camp near Zwolle in the Netherlands, out of the kindness of his own heart bought me a bike. My five year old heart exploded with joy. I just want to know his name. Help? pic.twitter.com/XzUgHzllYb
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 12, 2019
For those wondering here what five year old Mevan looked like. This was my fifth birthday in the refugee camp in Zwolle. She doesn't even know that an incredible bike is coming her way aaaany day now! pic.twitter.com/caZ6NGFh55
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 12, 2019
Her appeal was widely shared, and people who might have relevant connections were tagged in, so before long, news outlets were reaching out.
Within 2 hours, and 500 RTs later, doing a piece for local news @ds_Zwolle! Thank you all so much! The world feels so big sometimes but today it feels small and full of love. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/iEOFPTfGKg
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 12, 2019
This moving interview explains why it meant so much to Mevan to try to track down her benefactor.
Here's why I'm doing all of this…
FYI we filmed this within 2 hours of the original tweet 🤯 #internetz https://t.co/U1A6A8PXel
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 13, 2019
The BBC picked up the story, extending its reach even further.
So four hours ago I was eating apple pie in Zwolle library, after hitting another dead end, wondering how I would find out more about the refugee camp and now I'm on the BBC sharing my life story. 🤷🏻♀️https://t.co/nYLia3plQR
— Mevan | میڤان (@MeAndVan) August 12, 2019
