Diversity Makes Us Strong: Ibrahim’s Story

You may be familiar with the humanitarian crisis that has been going on in war-torn Syria. More than half of the country's population has been forced from their homes, more than 5 million of whom have fled the country. One of them is Ibrahim Bilal, who works in Laundry Services. 

Ibrahim and his mother left their home and their family in Aleppo, Syria in 2013 to escape the war. They spent two years in Turkey, struggling to find work, before a friend suggested they go to the UN Refugee Agency for help.

They were the first Syrian refugees from this civil war to arrive in the Roanoke area, in 2015.

Talking to Ibrahim now, it's easy to see that he embodies Carilion's values. The courage and commitment his journey has taken is clear.

“I said send me to a good place. Roanoke is very good. I’m happy right now,” said Ibrahim.

In addition to speaking no English when he arrived here, Ibrahim struggled with an illness that required surgery that could not be performed in Turkey.

After a successful 10-hour surgery at CRMH and many months of recuperation, Ibrahim is doing well and found work in the Laundry.

“Now I’m good, I’m happy,” he said. “I like my job, I like my manager, I like my supervisor, I like all my friends.”

Jim Buchbinder, director of Laundry Services, points out that his team provides an essential service to our patients by making sure that hygienically clean sheets, blankets, towels and gowns are always available. And that team includes Ibrahim.

"Ibrahim is a delight to work with," he said. "He has a great appreciation not only for our country but also for his livelihood at Carilion and the work that we do for our community."

While at the Laundry, Ibrahim has worked diligently to learn English. During work breaks, Ibrahim visits Don McMullen, an instructor in the Laundry who helps employees from all over the world learn English.

There is also a tutor that comes to Ibrahim’s home and helps him and his mother.

“When I come from Turkey I don’t know ‘hi how are you’,” said Ibrahim. “Teacher is very nice and helped me with English. I study at home, now I know a lot.”

Despite the long and difficult journey to get to America, to Roanoke and to Carilion, Ibrahim is joyful and enthusiastic about being here and being a part of the Carilion family.

“America gave me new life,” he said. “America is my heart.”