Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Every death is a tragedy, and this tragedy is unfathomable, of course. There are a great number of sources following what's been happening in Virginia, but I did want to take note of one particular part of the story which is particularly on-topic around here. JPost: Israeli professor killed in US attack
Professor Liviu Librescu, 76, threw himself in front of the shooter, who had attempted to enter his classroom. The Israeli mechanics and engineering lecturer was shot to death, "but all the students lived - because of him," Virginia Tech student Asael Arad - also an Israeli - told Army Radio.
Several of Librescu's other students sent e-mails to his wife, Marlena, telling of how he blocked the gunman's way and saved their lives, said the son, Joe.
"My father blocked the doorway with his body and asked the students to flee," Joe Librescu said in a telephone interview from his home outside of Tel Aviv. "Students started opening windows and jumping out."...
May his memory be a blessing ... it is a very rare person (much less a professor) who has the courage and presence of mind to put his life on the line to protect his students.
It is a terrible tragedy, but he died a hero's death. Not sure if that is any consolation to his family but...
The Talmud says;
"He who saves one life is as if he saves the entire world."
The New Testament says;
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
I have no doubt where this good and faithful man now resides.
I'm curious: Are they reporting this Israeli professor's action in the US mainstream media?
Joanne
Fox News did a brief recap on both his history, and his courageous actions. Not sure about the regular networks.
I haven't seen word one from ABC News (which has been the quickest news outfit on reporting on the rampage at Va. Tech), MSNBC, CNN or any of the others about this.
As an aside, I'm kinda surprised that the U.N. Human Rights Council hasn't condemned Israel for the shootings........
My Dad ( age 75) called me yesterday frantically trying to get the phone numbers for collegues at VTech. He has known Liviu for over 40 years. He told me what a fine person he is. He manged to get through to the family whom at that point did not know anything. How hard the wait must have been. This morning I read the reports about the professor ( no name given) who had blocked the door- I just knew. Actions speak louder than words- may he rest in peace.
I was privileged enough to work with this gentleman; in fact, I was supposed to be in his class with my student 4/16 but my student cancelled the class at the last moment.
It doesn't at all surprise me that he would put others before himself. He was a lovely, sweet patient instructor. He was also--and I wish people would check out his credentials: http://www.esm.vt.edu/php/person.php?id=10023
--a brilliant scientist. I will miss this fine man. Professor Librescu is the first genuine hero I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Goodbye Professor,
Michael DuVall
I am in the Air Force and I am in charge of a Holocaust remembrance event and I will ensure that the people on my installation are aware of this brave man who finally fell sacrificing his life to save others who can live on and tell their children what happened.
I'm a exchange student from the south and I was studying here in the US while this sad event happened, I'm doing a scrapbook to the memory of those affected by the holocaust and I'm more than honored to post this wonderful person in my work, bless his soul he is a holocaust survivor and hero, and in these days we need more people like him.