I don’t mean to be cheeky here. I am simply amazed (and yes, heartened) by this heroic and impulsive act of self-sacrifice. On December 18, 2013, Ayyub Khalaf, a 34-year-old policeman in Iraq, wrapped himself around a suicide bomber to shield people from the blast, thereby saving dozens of innocent lives.
There is no greater love than this! May Ayyub Khalaf rest in peace.
Over 8,000 people have died in Iraq this year (Iraq Body Count) making it the bloodiest year for the country since 2008. In November alone, 948 people were killed as a result of violence in the country.
“Despair of Humanity: Iraq War,” by visual artist Erin Genia, made from images found on independent and foreign news sites
Never forget: “With the Holy See and bishops from the Middle East and around the world, we fear that resort to war, under present circumstances and in light of current public information, would not meet the strict conditions in Catholic teaching for overriding the strong presumption against the use of military force.” — United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 2002
Pray for peace in Iraq.
This is a poem someone wrote on the Internet. I believe the poet’s name is Will Manning?
Ayyub Khalaf
I heard of your valor, those that you saved
Arms outstretched, willingly embracing hate as it came
Did you know those who came, for them all you gave
Between righteous, pious and afraid, you staid
Hugging evils vested demon who came, secured in your arms it stayed
For you many have prayed, I pray, there are more like you
For in your actions, freedoms liberty is stayed
WAM