This is not simple solidarity: it is the will of a young person to do something good and useful for others. Just as his was a story of redemption and conquests, the gesture he made has also become significant. Symbolic and important enough to be worth the appointment of Knight of the Republic by President Sergio Mattarella. It is the story of the 35-year-old Mahmoud rider, born in Lebanon, who lives in Italy earning a thousand euros a month. But he spent half of it to buy masks for those who need them. And while in Italy we are all grappling with the new one Phase and let's try to reconstruct our daily life, these examples of life take us back a few weeks. So that we do not forget what we have been through, and serve as a stimulus to be stronger.
The story of the rider Mahmoud, a meaningful experience
Mahmoud Lufti Ghuniem was awarded by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella of the honor of Cavaliere al Merit of the Republic. The choice fell on him, along with 56 other people, because they did something significant in Italy during the period of the emergency due to the Covid 19. He lives and works in Turin, he earns little but that little was enough for him to do something. One day he went to the Red Cross to donate a thousand masks he had bought. "I spent 500 euros to buy the masks - he told the newspaper Open -. I wanted to do something for my country, for Italy that welcomed me with open arms when I arrived in 2012, even if I haven't obtained citizenship yet.. " That Italy that considers its family its home.
A gesture of solidarity: the story of the rider Mahmoud is an example
His link with Italy is strong, explained the XNUMX-year-old. A country in which he felt welcomed and loved. There have been difficult moments in the history of rider Mahmoud. But now he has a dream that he hopes he will soon be able to realize. "I am glad that we have overcome this difficult period - has explained -. I did my part, quarantined myself and started work in mid-May. Was I in danger of running out of one euro? Well, yes, but health is more important than work and money".
He reached Italy a few years ago and has never stopped
Mahmoud is arrived in Italy in 2012. For a while he lived in Brindisi, where unfortunately he says he was treated like a slave. He has done many jobs: the bricklayer, the tire dealer and the pizza maker. "In Brindisi, where I was a bricklayer - revealed - my boss treated me like a slave, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't go on like this. I was tired of working with those who ordered me what to do and, above all, with those who expected me to do more hours than my contract. And so thanks to a friend of mine, first I quit my job, then I arrived in Turin. "
The job of a rider in Turin but the dream of being a nurse
For now Mahmoud works as a rider, making deliveries for a company that deals with gastronomy. But the dream of his life is another. "Going back to being a nurse, the job I did in my country - added -. Of course, I know that it won't be easy here as I have to complete high school first and then enroll in university. But I will try, when possible, when I have the economic conditions to do so". And Mahmoud now Cavaliere della Repubblica also dreams of building a more solid life not only at the working level: buy a house in Italy and never leave the country.
Mahmoud's example is similar to that of many other Italians who did not stop in the face of the emergency. They continued to work, with many difficulties, but also with determination. Small stories of great men who are good for our country.
