Community Corner
Iraqi Refugee Starts New Life Near Chicago With Bees: Video
He had to leave all his beehives behind in Iraq, but caring for these buzzing insects helps this man adjust to life in America.
"I love working with bees," Raad Yaseen says with a smile.
The Iraqi refugee and his family came to the United States as refugees about two years ago. The former Arabic teacher left Baghdad soon after the war started in 2003. Raad had kept bees as a hobby for over 20 years, but he had to leave all his hives behind when his family fled Iraq.
Yaseen, his wife Aida and their three children spent years in Jordan before being selected for resettlement in Westmont, Illinois, a suburb about 25 miles west of Chicago.
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Raad said he was happy to come to the United States; but while his adult sons quickly found jobs, he did not.
Aida said her husband was bored and depressed until he found a beekeeping association nearby.
Find out what's happening in Downers Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Thank God. He is much better now....He is busy now with something he loves," she said.
Note: This video was filmed in May 2016.
Video and picture at top by Patrick Martin
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
