An online campaign raised more than 34,000 euros for a homeless man who returned to the police a wallet forgotten on a train in Amsterdam with its contents worth around 2,000 euros.
This act of citizenship has “completely upset” his life, declared Hadjer Al-Ali, 33, quoted by the crowdfunding site which raised 34,102 euros in a single day. The action, called “Support for honest Hadjer”, should allow this man, homeless for 18 months, to finally find rental accommodation, according to the site.
Hadjer Al-Ali, a father of two children, also received many messages from people offering him a job.
This regular at Amsterdam Central Station made his discovery during a round to collect plastic bottles which he then exchanges for money. There was “around 2,000 euros but unfortunately no identity papers or anything to contact its owner“, the police said.
“As we believe that honesty must pay, he received a ‘silver thumb’ prize that we sometimes award to citizens, with a gift voucher worth 50 euros“, added the authorities. If no one comes forward to claim the lost money within a year, the sum will return to him.
“I want to thank everyone, so, so much… I can’t describe how I feel right now… I’ve been inundated with messages from people saying the sweetest, kindest things” said Hadjer Al-Ali in a video on Instagram.
“I can’t find the words, I don’t know what to say, I’m full of adrenaline“, he added, affirming that he would be able to rebuild his life with the money raised.
