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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Israeli Holocaust Survivor - Hero in Virginia

Hat tip: Michael

Jerusalem Post:

As Jews worldwide honored on Monday the memory of those who were murdered in the Holocaust, a 75-year-old survivor sacrificed his life to save his students in Monday's shooting at Virginia Tech College that left 32 dead and over two dozen wounded.

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."

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

7 comments:

  1. I don't know what to say. What an amazing human being.

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  2. Im speechless as well.

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  3. I was watching CNN this morning and was hoping against hope, that they would feature this story showing the amazing decency of spirit exhibited by Professor Liviu Librescu a"H.

    To the best of my knowledge they missed the boat. They did mention his name as one of the many victims and associated the mention with his high academic standing.

    How very sad on both counts- the death of a special jewish person, and the missed opportunity to have such a special act publicized.

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  4. So you haven't heard about CNN...

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  5. Yes, I have, but it does not make it easier, still frustrating...

    Today they could not avoid showing President Bush at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, talking about Professor Librescu and his act of selfless sacrifice, so that in spite of themselves CNN had to publicise the heroic act.

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