The Gate to Freedom is a powerful memoir of survival, resilience, and hope.

Born in Iraq, Heath Jacob came of age in the shadow of the Iran-Iraq War. He witnessed the devastation of battle, the loss of loved ones, and the crushing weight of dictatorship. Yet through it all, he held onto a vision—of education, of family, and of freedom.

From the trenches of war to the lecture halls of Baghdad University, from captivity and injury to the quiet triumph of earning a Master's degree in Statistics, Heath's story is a testament to endurance. His journey through Jordan and Yemen toward the gates of the U.S. Embassy is marked by near loss, faith, and the unyielding pursuit of a better life.

Arriving in America in 1996, Heath built a new beginning—becoming a citizen, a husband, a homeowner, and a man who kept a promise made long ago to a fallen friend.

This memoir is not only about immigration—it is about transformation. It is about the cost of freedom, the scars of memory, and the spirit of one man who refused to give up.

If you've ever wondered about the true price of war, the courage it takes to leave everything behind, and the hope that sustains the human heart, this book will stay with you long after the final page.