Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ibrahim Elfirjani wants Libya to put Gadhafi’s atrocities behind them and rebuild the country.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Ben Feldheim
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ibrahim Elfirjani couldn’t sleep. The 62-year-old Orland Park resident had trouble focusing on anything, except for actions happening in his old home. In February, when a rebellion broke out in Libya against Moammar Gadhafi and his dictatorial rule over the country, Elfirjani could think of nothing else but going back and joining the fight. “It was the easiest decision I made in my life,” Elfirjani said. “My family knew I had to go.” It was the first time he set foot in his birthplace in 25 years. Elfirjani spent over two years as a war prisoner in Chad before coming to the U.S. in the 1980s. It wasn’t until 2003 that he was reunited with his son Sanad, when the rest of his family came from Libya to Orland Park. With past military …
Sunday, October 23, 2011
We look back at a week of employment dispute, checkered history, homestyle Italian food, embezzlement, death of a dictator and playoff sights.
MONDAY Orland Park Bakery Setting Up New Home On LaGrange Road Bakery owner is looking to keep the feel, the menu and the approach the same at the new location. They are looking to move from the Orland Plaza in January 2012. Drifter Accused in Orland Rape Arrested at Least 60 Times The homeless man accused of preying upon an 83-year-old woman has traveled the country, breaking laws wherever he goes. TUESDAY Protestors Rally Behind D135 Secretary Forced Out of New Job Fifteen-year district staffer Melanie Walsh was told the school board was "unhappy" with her promotion and she could either resign from her new post or return to her old job without filing complaints. WEDNESDAY District 230 Spirit Showdown Not Just Fun and Games Area high …
Friday, October 21, 2011
For Orland Park resident Sanad Elfirjani, whose father returned to Libya to join the fight, the dictator’s fall means more than peace for Libya.
Sanad Elfirjani didn’t know who he was talking to on the phone.But it didn’t matter. The caller from Libya told him that Moammar Gadhafi’s 42-year grip on Elfirjani’s birthplace is finally loose. Reaction to the dictator's demise came with a strong mix of joy and relief. But Elfirjani, who lived in Libya until he came to Orland Park in 2003 at age 19, also realizes that much work remains to stabilize the country. The Orland Park resident spoke with Patch about what lies ahead for the country, his own experience with Gadhafi’s supporters as a child and why the dictator’s death is good for the world, not just Libya. What were your thoughts when you first heard? The first time I heard was about 4 a.m. Someone called me and said he was dead. I…
Ben Feldheim
11:25 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2011
This is in no way a joke to anyone who lost a loved one at Gadhafi's hands. Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with our Terms of Use, and yes, expressing racism and bigotry will get you suspended from using the site. more ›