Among those reading at Tuesday’s convocation is Anat Elazari, a graduate student in industrial engineering recruited for her ability to speak Hebrew.
Elazari was to read from Ecclesiastes, or the Kohelet in Hebrew, in honor of Liviu Librescu, 76, an Israeli citizen originally from Romania. The engineering science and mathematics lecturer was shot to death as he attempted to prevent the gunman from entering his classroom.
Elazari said she did not know Librescu, an internationally known expert in aeronautical engineering.
The passage from the Hebrew Bible book that begins “For everything there is a season,” also was to be read in English at the service.
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As officials, students and families struggle to come to terms with the tragedy at Virginia Tech, a team of MSNBC.com reporters and editors and NBC News producers and correspondents is on the scene.
It takes my breath away to think of one horrific irony packed within this tragedy at Virginia Tech. That Professor Librescu survived the horrors of Hitler's holocaust only to be massacred years later in the "land of the free," is a shameful mark upon our nation. The only solace is that this man's courage and honor gives new life to the "home of the brave..." portion of our nation's anthem. He died a hero's death.
I imagine that even in his old age, with tired limbs and shortened stride that he must have been instantly thrust back to a time spent in concentration camps as his strength rose up from his youth to give him the courage and honor to face his killer head on, sacrificing his own life for the sake of his students.
Elaina (Sent Apr 17, 2007 3:47:41 PM)
truly a beautiful statement, Elania. I have felt the same sadness and respect, thinking of this grandfather protecting those young people. What a hero.
Stephanie Richards, Spokane, WA (Sent Apr 17, 2007 4:17:45 PM)
shalom; hero I hope spelling is correct
tim sweet. Radford'va (Sent Apr 17, 2007 5:11:35 PM)
A Man of true love and Character - blessed is the man who would give up his life for his freinds!!!! A hero who protected the innocent, A real man who loves without asking anything in return!! God bless you Profesor Liviu!
Albert, Ft.lauderdale Fla. (Sent Apr 18, 2007 7:51:21 AM)
May God welcome not only Profesor Liviu but all the brave souls who stood up against the evil that entered into their midst on Monday.
Karen Brown, Wilmington, NC (Sent Apr 18, 2007 11:12:18 AM)
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