We Love Rafil, We Love Rafil

On February 28, 2004 over 200 people gathered in support of Rafil. We heard memorable testimony from people whose hearts that he had touched. We heard of Sargent Sundance the horse Rafil bought and donated to the mounted division of the Syracuse police department. We heard stories of generosity--students whose tuition Dr. Dhafir paid for, patients whose bills he let slide, lives saved and most of all many, many hearts he touched.

The afternoon began at Grace Episcopal church where we broke bread and shared a bowl of chili. We drank Abdullah Omani's famous lemonade.

The children gathered outside of Grace church on University Ave. They held up signs and shouted choruses of 'Free Dhafir' and 'We Love Brother Rafil'.

At 1:30 we began the march up University Ave to Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University. The children climbed up on the stage behind the speakers and held vigil as the speakers spoke. At Hendricks we heard riveting testimony from guests from as far away as New York City. Colleen Kattau blessed with some songs and led the kids in a chorus. We were lead in prayer by a variety of faiths.

Below are a few of the testimonials we heard.

God Bless,

madis senner

Dr. Rafil Dhafir had been my oncologist for about eight years when he was arrested for having raised money for poor people in his native country. He had treated me for both lymphoma and breast cancer, diseases that I contracted within six months of each other. Dr. Dhafir saved my life in two ways: with his skill as an oncologist and with his compassion and understanding of the human spirit.

The thought that Dr. Dhafir could have been involved in anything that would or could result in harm coming to anyone, was then, and is now, beyond my belief. Dr. Dhafir's kindness to me and everyone I saw him come in contact with defies the charges against him. No man could have been the humanitarian I came to know and trust could have promoted evil at the same time.

Each time I showed any sign of becoming discouraged, Dr. Dhafir would not allow it to grow. He exuded confidence and convinced me that my inner strength would play as big a part in our battle against my disease as the medicine he used. I know that without his encouragement, I would not have survived.

I experienced Dr. Dhafir's dedication to humanity in the medical care and morale-building he provided directly to me. I also observed him as he worked with his associates and with other patients. He was always kind and caring, providing no hint that within him was the person his accusers have tried to make him out to be.

No doubt, Dr. Dhafir is a Muslim. No doubt his is very religious. He may have broken a law that prohibits charity to an oppressed people, but I will never be convinced that he knowingly did anything to promote violence or to hurt anyone. I am certain that God knows he is a good man, an innocent man.

Peggy Tosti

Rome, NY

I would like to tell you about the Rafil Dhafir that I know. He was my mentor for the six years I worked for him. Not only was he a wonderful doctor he was a wonderful man. I was a single mom with two teenagers when I went back to school to become a medical assistant. He was willing to take me fresh from school,with no knowledge of the medical field except what I learned in books. Every day with him was more than learning about medicine; it was learning about life.

To watch him with his patients always trying to ease their fears was something to behold. He would sit knee to knee with them, hold their hands, dry their tears and talk to them until they were able to understand the journey he would walk with them. But he could'nt save them all and was always saddened by their passing.Dr. Dhafir is a giving man. During the Afgan war the staff helped him collect clothes and medical supplies which were shipped overseas. While everyone around thought how terrible it was for the womem and children there he was doing something about it. When he heard the news of the bombing of the World Trade Center he condemned the terrorists saying a true Muslim would never do this in the name of Allah.

Dr Dhafir is proud to be an American. I remember him telling stories of coming here as a young man an learning english by watching cartoons. He still has trouble pronouncing subtract!!!! He just wanted to be the best doctor and man he could be which he has proven again and again.

I think of Rafil Dhafir with great respect and admiration, for always standing up for the "little guy". As with all great men there is a quiet solitude surrounding him, making him sound distant and unyielding . He might not always agreed .with what you said but he was always willing to listen.

Dr Dhafir taught me lessons I will carry for the rest of my life. And so I speak for Bill, George, Marcella, Bruce, Hazel, Sophie and all the hundreds of people whose lives he has touched. Because of him they knew someone cared, someone who laughed with them and cried with them. Someone that when the time came was able to say yes-go -you are free. Now it's our turn to say to the justice system ---- SET HIM FREE.

Shelley Thomas

Henrietta, NY

Dear Mr. Senner,

I am writing in behalf of Dr. Dhafir. I met Dr. Dhafir in 1995 and was his patient until he left his practice and went back to Rome.

During my crisis of having a mastectomy, Dr. Dhafir was assigned to me as my caregiver. He came into my room at the hospital a few days after my operation and introduced himself. He explained the procedure of chemotherapy to let me know what lay ahead. He made me feel comfortable in his presence. Just like an old friend, we had a long talk, getting to know one another. He tried to tell me how to pronounce his name. It's DiFirr-prolonging the IRRRS. We had quite a time with that! He had me laughing and I forgot my troubles.

My next visit was at his office in Wampsville. When my appointment was set for a special day, I arrived. I went to see him and as I walked in his building, I turned to my left. I was amazed at what I saw. There were some of his patients having their treatment in a room furnished with a woman-like atmosphere. The patients were relaxed and comfortable. I was amazed! No matter how hard chemotherapy was, it seemed that his patients took it all in stride. They all told me what a GREAT doctor he is.

One day I got sick at home and called his office. The nurse in attendance said he had left the office and she would try to get in touch with him. He was almost in Fayetteville when he returned the call. He then turned his car around and returned to his office to see me. That's just the way Dr. Dhafir is-always doing what is best for his patients.

I had to go into the hospital every so often for a blood transfusion due to the chemotherapy-that is a side effect. I went in at 12 noon and expected to be out by 2 pm. There was some king of plane accident and the nurses were running up and down the aisles. I could not get their attention. I was trying to be patient. I didn't leave the hospital until 12 midnight. Dr. Dhafir heard what happened and went to the hospital the next morning and bawled the nurses out. He was very committed to his patients and he goes way out for them.

When I was in the hospital, they were saying that here was some tainted blood going around. I asked Dr. Dhafir about it and he replied, "You have more to worry about what you're going to have for dinner tonight than anything else."

I could go on and on, but I want you to know that I believe wholly that Dr. Dhafir should be released from prison. I know in my heart that the doctor I know is not the type of man that some people are making him out to be. He is kind, considerate, and devoted to his patients and they need his care. I doubt very much that he would ever leave the country upon his release.

Please give my letter some consideration and free this man who helped save my life.

Sincerely,

Evelyn Adamo

to whom it may concern,

I have been a patient of dr. dhafir since 1986. during this time he has been very respectable, honest, caring and administered the up most quality care. if it hadnt been for his excellent treatment, i would have not won my battle with cancer.

sincerely

Betty Grant

To Whom It May Concern,

I ( John E. Grant ) son of a patient of Dr. Dhafir ( Betty A . Grant ) is writing this letter on behalf of what an excellent and wonderful guy his is ( Dr. Rafil Dhafir ).

Back in November 1985 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I and my family believe it was Dr. Dhafir in which she is still alive today...It was he who continued too provide care for my mother for 18 years and would have continue too if all this didn't come about. And to this date it is impossible to replace this man and the services he has performed for my mother.

If we all stood back and looked at his performance i think everyone would see the real person this is a man not a traitor.

I would like to say one more thing .......Dr. Dhafir we are all thinking and praying for you.

Respectfully Submitted,

John E. Grant & Betty A. Grant

It was with a very heavy heart, that i read of the arrest of Dr. Dhafir by my government. This man was my oncologist for over 13 years. he is one of the reasons that i am alive today to write this and be saddened by what has happened to him. he saved my life not just once but twice. When i was so ill and wanted to die he encouraged me to go forward and he and my husband gave me the will to continue on. i still remember the many times he came to the waiting room to get me and he would lead me to the room for treatment. the gentleness of his hands and his loving care is something that i will never forget. I have never met a more humanitarian person than Dr. Dhafir.

I find it incredible that my government has put this man in jail and left him there for over a year. we treat our animals better than that. what has happened to our society that wants to believe the worse of people? how can any of you pass judgement on a man you do not even know. he loves this country and also the people of iraq. he was proud to be an american. Do we have the right to tell him to forget his people and his culture. can you forget your own heritege? i don't think so.

Since Dr. Dhafir's arrest, his office has been closed up. i have never been notified as to how i could obtain ALL of my medical records. a few papers were transfered to another oncologist but who, now, has my medical records? are they still in that office or does the FBI have them. they are important only to me. it is a known fact that many records were boxed and trucked out of that rome office. Did anyone give any thoughts as to what was going to become of his patients? Did anyone try to help us? Its hard enough to fight cancer but when our good doctor is removed from helping us, it is very freightning.

believe Dr. Dhafir to be innocent and deeply regret to see what is happening to him. if the day comes that he can return to a medical practice..i will beat a path to his door. Dr. Dhafir, you are deeply missed and deeply loved. we have not forgotten you.

Respectfully

Mary Condes

Verona

February 7,2004

I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999. It was soon that I was referred to Dr. Dhafir in Rome,N.Y.

I found Dr. Dhafir to be a very caring and compassinate Doctor. He always took time to incourage me and gave me hope. With his expert care he saved my life.

It is my hope that this kind and compassionate Doctor can soon continue his oncology practice.

Sincerely,

Lucille A. Bailey

Westdale, N.Y.

I only knew Dr. Dhafir for nine months, but I found him to be not only a brilliant oncologist but also a human being who is kind, compassionate, gentle, warm, and TRULY dedicated to saving lives.

In June of 2002, my mother, Dorothy Caspar, at age 79, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Deathly afraid of going to the doctor, she had not been to one in years, but after complaining of severe back pain, she let me take her to a GP. When the dr and I saw my mother's breast, we were shocked! Her tumor protruded from her breast and looked like a huge, horrible bed sore. My mother told the GP she would not have surgery, but she agreed to go for a bone scan. The bone scan revealed numerous tumors throughout her body, including her skull. A breast surgeon tried to convince my mother to at least have a biopsy of her tumor, but she adamantly refused. I was distraught and ready to give up, but the surgeon encouraged me to take my mother to see Dr. Dhafir.

He saw my mother almost immediately. I spoke to him before his examination and told her about her stubbornness and fear of doctors and explained about her mild dementia.

"She'll tell you she goes golfing 4 days a week, as she used to love to play, but she hasn't done that in over a year."

"I'm an old, old lady," my mother told him a few minutes later. " There is nothing you can do to help me." In his gentle, soft spoken way, he convinced my mother to return to the surgeon's office that afternoon, directly from his office, to have the biopsy she had refused only days earlier. He also got her to agree to have the Cat Scans he needed to see if her cancer had spread to her organs.

"I can tell you are still enjoying life, Dorothy," he said softly. "You have your children and grandchildren you've been telling me about, friends, and golfing," he continued, smiling. I think I can help you, but I need you to do two things for me."

"I'll do Whatever you want me to do," my mother told him. I was incredulous hearing my mother be so cooperative with Dr. Dhafir, when she had been stubborn with the surgeon and GP.

"Very good," he said to her. " I want you to go for a biopsy of your breast, and then I want your daughter to take you for a Cat scan as soon as we can schedule it," he gently told her. "When do I go for that biopsy?" "Right now. Right from here."

"OK, I'll do it."

When we returned to his office several days later for the test results, I was prepared for a referral to hospice. Dr. Dhafir teased my mother about her golfing, getting her to smile and relax, but then he very gently explained to us that her cancer had spread.

"It is just as we suspected. The cancer has spread to the lungs and liver."

My heart dropped to my feet. "Are you giving me a referral to hospice?" I asked, sick to my stomach. "I need to know how much time my mother has. I have two brothers, one in Texas, and one in MA. They'll need to know." Dr. Dhafir smiled, his eyes exuding such warmth. "No, no," he said comfortingly. I am going to start your mother on chemotherapy. She will get it every three weeks. We will administer it gradually, to see how much she can tolerate. Quality of life is very important. We will see how she responds to this. I will also be giving her Zometta, a bone strengthening medicine, through the IV, as her bones are extremely brittle and weak from the cancer. If she fell, it could be disastrous."

"But what about her time?" I asked anxiously. " She could have several months, or it could be several years if she responds well," he said reassuringly. "We'll have to wait and see how she does with my treatment." I was stunned by this glimmer of hope. When can she begin the chemo?" I asked anxiously. "We will begin tomorrow."

But then he made the most reassuring and truthful comment. "Only God really knows how much time a person has. That is not for me to say."

My mother liked that. His wonderful sense of humor, his genuine concern, and his soft spoken and gentle manner put her at ease. She was totally cooperating with Dr. Dhafir, which was so unlike her. During her treatment, I felt a real sense of peace, tranquility, and security with Dr. Dhafir and was always impressed by his genuine kindness, compassion, and warmth. Many times Dr. Dhafir himself, NOT his nurse practitioner, returned my calls about problems my mother was experiencing. She did remarkably well as far as side effects. He always listened to her ramble on with her stories and how she was an old lady and he often chuckled to her "they don't make them like you anymore."

After 7 months of chemo, follow up Cat scans and a heart test revealed that all of her tumors had totally shrunk, her bones were healing nicely, and her heart hadn't weakened. "This is an excellent response, especially considering your mother's age and how far advanced her cancer was," he said, beaming. You could just feel his happiness for us. He called my mother his star patient.

One month later, he was arrested. After frantically scrambling for a month to get her medical records and an appointment with another oncologist, my mother resumed her treatment. The care my mother received was NOT the same. The new dr's office lacked the intimacy of Dr. Dhafir's. I felt like my mother was a #. Whenever she had a problem, instead of the compassionate response we got from Dr. Dhafir's office : "Bring Dorothy right in so we can see what's going on," I got put on hold for lengths of time by nurses who did not even know me or my mother. Nurses' promises to call me back after speaking to the dr were not kept. I had to keep calling back to get an answer to my question.

My mother did not do well with the new onco