Virginia Tech Tragedy, Prof. Liviu Librescu Among the Victims
Yesterday’s massacre at Virginia Tech was horrific and felt all throughout the world. For whatever it is worth, we here at Isrealli offer our heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. This tragedy has captivated the entire world, and more so, because it has shown how interconnected we are as humans. As we have seen in the media reports, many of the students interviewed were from different countries, and tragically we have learned that many of the victims were as well. Professor Liviu Librescu an Israeli/Romanian of international stature was among the murdered. Heroically, it has been reported that Prof. Librescu died while barricading the door of his classroom while his students hid and escaped out of the windows. In a sad twist of ironic fate, Prof Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, was murdered on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
From YnetNews:
Israeli killed in Virginia massacre
One of victims in Virginia Tech shooting rampage Monday is Prof Liviu Librescu, senior researcher at university. Librescu was killed after he stayed behind his class to block door and protect students. Massacre claimed lives of 32 people
By: Yitzhak Benhorin
WASHINGTON – Prof Liviu Librescu, a senior researcher and lecturer at Virginia Tech, is among the 32 people who were killed during a shooting rampage at the university Monday.
His wife, Marlina, and two sons, Arieh and Joe, have already begun making arrangements for his burial in Israel.
The Virginia Tech Police Department identified the campus gunman as Cho Seung-Hui, 23, a student and native of South Korea.
An official at the South Korean Foreign Ministry said that it could not rule out that the shooter was from South Korea but said it had not received any such notification from the US Embassy.
One of Prof Librescu’s students, Alec Calhoun, who was with him at the classroom when the shooting started, told AP that at about 9:05 am, he and classmates heard “a thunderous sound from the classroom next door, what sounded like an enormous hammer.”
When students realized the sounds were gunshots, Calhoun said, they started flipping over desks for hiding places. Others dashed to the windows of the second-floor classroom, kicking out the screens and jumping from the ledge of the room.
Calhoun said that just before he climbed out the window, he turned to look at the professor (Librescu), who had stayed behind to block the door.
Librescu’s wife drove him to work on Monday, and he was killed about an hour later. His daughter-in-law Ayala, who is married to his son, Joe, told Ynet: “I heard he blocked the door of the classroom he was teaching… he must have realized that the murderer was approaching. He saved his students and was killed by gunshots.”
“He has been teaching there for 20 years, and was a senior, world-renowned lecturer. He is the professor with the highest number of publications in the history of Virginia Tech. In the past, he taught at Tel Aviv University and the Technion,” she added.
Ayala said that her father-in-law was passionate about his research and a dedicated family man.
A true gentleman
Prof Librescu and his wife are both Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Israel from Romania in 1978.
Librescu was an accomplished scientist in Romania, and the Communist regime had tried to prevent him from making aliyah to Israel. He was allowed to leave the country only after the Israeli prime minister at the time Menachem Begin appealed the matter to President Nicolae Ceausescu.
Several years later, Librescu left for a sabbatical in the United States and has remained there since. His first son, Arieh, lives in Israel, while his other son, Joe, resides in the US.
“I understand from friends that my father was a hero,” the son Joe told Ynet. “In fact, by blocking the door with his body he saved all the students who were in the classroom.”
Joe said that his parents were very happy in the United States, where they have been living since 1984. “He and my mom led a simple life, at a pastoral place in West Virginia, between hills and mountains, and he loved the school in which he taught.”
“He is scientist who did not work for money, but for the pleasure he got from his occupation,” he added.
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61 comments:
God bless this man and give strength to his family. Prof. Librescu already gave the family honor.
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Oh my, he survived the Shoah and offered his life to save his students.
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A true hero. My condolences to his family.
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Our wonderful professor was a hero and will be always remembered for the lives he saved.
He is a tremendous credit to his religion, his country and the global community.
To save his students and to act so quickly is a real credit to the actions of a special human.
Peggy Bradley
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My heart is full for this man’s family and all the suffering and tragedy he has seen in his lifetime. He is what I would call a true hero.
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May his sacrifice be a memorial to G-d and fellow humans. May the Lord cover his family with Shalom.
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He showed all to all of us a true heroism means !
Czesc jego pamieci .
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A hero and a saint. His actions will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his family.
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may he rest in peace, my prayers are with the family of this noble scientist
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Dumnezeu sa te odihneasca in pace!Rest in peace!
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His life and death are the stuff legends are made of. He has slapped the fate’s ironic hand and died a courageous death saving others. May he rest in peace! My prayers are with his family.
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He was ROMANIAN! Librescu = Israeli name? Look for gratification somewhere else you f%@king Jews……..
CNN: “He was born and received his advanced degrees in Romania.”
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Sincere condoleante.
My deepest condolences.
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Gica- relax and control your anti-semitism, no one cares to hear about your insecurities. Moreover, have some respect for the dead.
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This message is to Gica:
When Romania joined forces with Nazi Germany in World War II, Librescu was held in a labor camp, and then sent along with his family and thousands of other Jews to a central ghetto in the city of Focsani. Hundreds of thousands of Romanian Jews were killed by the collaborationist regime during the war.
Librescu later found work at a government aerospace company. But his career was stymied in the 1970s because he refused to swear allegiance to the Communist regime, and he was later fired when he requested permission to move to Israel.
In 1977, Israel’s then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin personally intervened to get the family an emigration permit, and they left for Israel in 1978.
Librescu left Israel for Virginia in 1985 for a sabbatical year, but eventually made the move permanent.
so yes, he was an Israeli citizen. and a true hero.
May he rest in peace
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I found it hard to believe that you chose to waste your leisure time in a pure Zionist website.
I assume you lost the address of Al-Jazeera website, so here you go:
http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/8FD54E7F-56C5-49A0-B60A-89A67426F3B3.htm
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My message above is a courtesy service to Gica
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We need to take time to love on those that are not at the top of the social chain. We may never truly know the motive behind such horrific actions that the killer uses to justify his or her means. However, when the downtrodden and socially uncool are accepted I believe a major motive is removed.
http://www.hollywoodsquared.com/
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He was a true hero. He was a brilliant scientist but more importantly a kind soul. He was a Jew who survived the Holocaust. Sadly he did not survive this horrific event but he was able to save the lives of so many. May his family find comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them. G-d bless his soul.
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Dumnezeu sa il odihneasca! It doesn’t matter whether he was more Romanian or more Israeli.
He was a great man and he didn’t deserve being killed by a maniac. He proved to be a hero up to the end.
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It is a hour to die for your friends; Though a tragic has fallen unto the family; Yet you will be remembered for what many could not risk to do!
You escaped the hand of evil in your early life; but for friends you were willing to die, not thinking of money, future or even what yourself. YOU STAND OUT AMONG FEW IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD!
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It is an honour to die for your friends; Though a tragic has fallen unto the family; Yet you will be remembered for what many could not risk to do!
You escaped the hand of evil in your early life; but for friends you were willing to die, not thinking of money, future or even for yourself. YOU STAND OUT AMONG FEW IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD
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After I read about this poor man surviving the Holocaust, it made me angry this punk took his life yesterday…..he survived something horrible and to have his life end this way. God bless this incredible man.
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Nu conteaza ce nationalitate a avut Prof. Librescu, ci faptul ca a fost OM in acele momente, in care nici unul din noi nu am vrea sa ajungem vreodata. Good bless his soul…
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Greater love has no man than he lay down his life for another. A true hero. May the Lord bless he and his family in their time of grief
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Bless this man, who suffered so much in his life and who gave his life that others would not suffer. What a hero, and may his memory live on forever in all our hearts. God bless his family who will forever miss this beautiful soul.
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He was a good man!
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Dumnezeu sa te odihneasca in pace! = Rest in peace! You proved that there is still hope in this world.
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Never mind that this hero honored his religion or Israel, he honored humanity iteself. No matter if you look at the actions of a single moment or a lifetime, he was a man to be admired as a father, a teacher, a leader in his field, and as a person. My sincere condolences to his family and all who have been touched by his life.
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It is dificult to believe that this kind of people still exist in our individualistic world. His acts will always inspire and be a source of hope. I cannot help but be a bit proud that he lived for a while in my country…
Elena
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Professor Librescu was my son’s best friend, mentor and ex-professor. They wrote many engineering articles together and my son just spoke to him on Sunday evening…never knowing it was the last time they would talk to one another. It’s a great, great loss for our family, my son and everyone who know this wonderful, loving, gentle of a man, Professor Librescu. Our hearts ache so terribly for his family.
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My sincere condolescenes goes out to this family. He truly was a Hero and a briliant courageous man. With all the darkness that went on during the day it is truly remarkable that there is still evidence of the good that people have in them. Z”L
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This makes me cry–he did the unthinkable, beautiful act. I read what an illustrious career he had–such a contribution by this wonderful man, to be mowed down so senselessly.
I wish him a peaceful journey.
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What an unselfish act that will be viewed as an act of honor. I am from Oklahoma City and our state of Oklahoma knows how it feels when our home is violated. Our hearts go out to all who have been traumatized in this tragic event. I get refered to the Oklahoma City bombing on numerous ocasions, however we are remembered by the heartland of Oklahoma not a tradgedy and I know when a community gets together it is possible to overcome adversity. Our hearts go out to Virginia Tech and all its surroundings. To Professor Liviu and his family, his mission in life is complete. I am so sorry for the loss and hurt you all will go through. Be very proud of what he did, a hero. My sincere sympathy goes out to VT.
Benjamin Stone OKC
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In these moments, when the fragility of the human heart is struck by unconceivable and ununderstandable events, we have to understand that we are all brothers belonging to the same human family and that we ALL have the same Creator. These moments should bring us together, GICA, and not divide us based on superficial differences. As a Romanian, GICA, I want to say that I entirely disapprove of your perception of this tragic events and I am deeply saddened by your expression. We are profoundly struck by this tragic event, and we want to express our condolences to the family and thank them for the example Professor Librescu has set for us – to help others with the price of his life. This is the most beautiful gesture one can ever do.
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Professor Librescu was an honorable and brave man who unselfishly gave his life to help other people escape from a mentally unbalanced man who became a murderer. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends in this time of grief. Liviu Librescu will live in the hearts and memories of countless people.
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What an incredible man. I can’t stop thinking about his courage and kindness. He cared for his students like they were his own children. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion.
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Where do we send donations in his name, and/or flowers even.
Our group would like to make a donation in his honor at Yad Vashem or US Holocaust Museum
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i have often heard Survivors struggle with why they were spared during the holocaust…to me the Professor was spared for something important that was yet to come. i am proud of of heroism, whilst he was a Jew, Israeli, Expat Romanian, teacher, & scientist….We of Jewish heritage would say he was a Tzadik (good soul) & a “Mega Menche”.
He had been in many bad places in his life, but it seems this time he was at the right place for the students he helped survive the horrible experiences of yesterday!.. “may his memory be a blessing
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I was already devastated enough by the story of the shootings alone, but when I came across this man’s picture and the story detailing his heroic efforts, it brought me to tears. This man has proven that we cannot give up on humanity yet – there are those who are good out there, and we should be more mindful and grateful to them.
G-d bless. May he rest in peace.
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What great love one must have for others to lay down his life so they might live. Such a brave, loving man! The world needs move conviction, bravery, and love.
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I feel honored to have been one of his students. I am impressed and saddened by his great sacrifice. His legacy will continue to inspire hope and courage for posterity.
VT c/o ’93
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May God bless his family and comfort those who mourn.
This man definitely is a hero, and no one in their sanity can dispute that on planet Earth.
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I just read about him and looked at his accomplishments. It was really brave of him to save his students that way and what a senseless crime. In the picture he looks like a really nice man I am sure he taught interesting classes. I hope someone carries on his research, so his work isn’t lost.
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As Gica so wonderfully commented, “He was ROMANIAN! Librescu = Israeli name? Look for gratification somewhere else you f%@king Jews……..
CNN: “He was born and received his advanced degrees in Romania.” ”
I would just like to ask, where did your family come from? Mine came from Italy, and yet I’m considered an American…Who gives a damn where this guy was from, his heart and his loyalty belonged to Israel. That’s good enough for the rest of the world, how about you get off of your anti-semitic high horse and simply consider this a tragedy, regardless of where anyone was from.
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This is addressed to the Nar(Fool)Gica. The fact that he or she believes one cannot be Jewish and have a Romanian name shows extreme stupidity in addition to vile thoughts. I myself have a Russian name and am a proud Jew. Einstein had a German name and indeed a certain Israeli Jew born about 2000 years ago is known by the Greek name Jesus. I salute you Professor Librescu, a selfless Jew, an Israeli, a Romanian and an American.
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Thank you ,Liviu Librescu, for renewing my faith in the potential for goodness in the human soul. The righteous man does still exist. I will forever remember his name.
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My heart is broken after hearing about this tragedy. I cried and cried after hearing about this remarkable man, Liviu Librescu. He is a true hero and gentleman, and you just know he went straight to heaven to be with God. My thoughts are with his family, who I hope are somewhat comforted in knowing that he gave his life to save his students. I will keep this kind soul in the back of my mind always.
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Professor Liviu Librescu is truly a Hero. He died the greatest of deaths, sacrificing his life for the well-being of others. May he be remembered well beyond this tradgedy.
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I am proud to be an citizen of the country where prof. Libresdcu was born. He set an example for all of us, an example we should follow.
Maybe the world would be a better place if we had more people like prof. Librescu.
Dumnezeu sa-l odihneasca. (Goca esti un penibil!)
my deepest condoleances to the family. J.
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god bless you and keep you in HIS safe keeping,may your family find comfort from all of the well meaning comments.
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So many people, especially college students, struggle to discover their higher purpose. Psychologist and fellow Holocaust survivor Victor Frankel spoke of this necessity. Professor Librescu is a noble, heroic example of our Creator’s unique need for each of us. In protecting each of his students lives, he saved not only their lives but worlds upon worlds. Indeed, we are taught that to save one life is to save a world. While one troubled murderer brought so much darkness and negation of the Divine source of humanity, Professor Librescu’s behavior and sacrifice courageously affirmed it. What amazing light one man shed during such a day of darkness. In his merit, may his students and may we all attempt to shed light in whatever arena we find ourselves. Our sincere condolences to Professor Librescu’s family.
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this true Heroic individual. On behalf of my students and myself, we would like to extend how sorry we feel for the way in which Mr. Librescu was killed. My students admire him even more because they know that he was a Holocaust survivor. Please know that we are praying for him and his family, and all those who have been affected by this tragedy. God bless you.
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God Bless this true hero. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
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Why, i ask, could we not see more information via the media on the poor souls that perished in the Va. Tech. disaster of the 16th..instead of concentrating on this that horriblly sick mind of the killer? all we get are snippets about them.
We have to learn to perpetuate good news
& info..NOT Bad stuff!!
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May his soul rest in peace….GOD bless his soul….
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These cartoons drawn by South Korean newspaper
ttp://up.nm78.com/obj/11870
Cho Seung-Hui is a national hero of South Korea.
ttp://www.heraldbiz.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/04/19/200704190212.asp
I cannot understand Korean mentality.
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I think that he is a very courageous man and that he didn’t have to risk his life for all of his students… very brave of him!
R.I.P
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Through nearly 30 years of fighting fires I have always been keenly aware that the perilous nature of my chosen profession could someday force me to make the “ultimate sacrifice.” I know this, as do all firefighters. Soldiers share the same burden, even as they work under what are surely, sadly, even less attractive odds of meeting a heroic fate. When you choose an occupation like these you are often regarded as a hero. It’s flattering and well intentioned, but often an overstatement. Many of us choose to take these chances but in our hearts we calculate the odds greatly in our favor.
The truest form of self-sacrificial heroism was demonstrated by a man who’s career choice promised him safety and security. Perhaps the nightmares of his youth instilled upon him an emergency plan that he hoped he would never have to use. It may have been the horrors experienced when he was younger than a college student that carved a niche of bravado so profound in his moral compass that when he heard the first gunshot at Virginia Tech, he knew what he had to do.
A school aged Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust but died saving his own imperiled students over six decades later. It’s impossible to say how God’s hand plays into such things. But no matter how miraculous his survival during World War II, moments before his brave death Professor Liviu Librescu became a doomed but beautiful Guardian Angel to countless students that are now alive only because true heroism can be found in the most unlikely of places.
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Personally ,I do not know the man ( I wish I had the chance).But I am sure he was a incdreible & great man.We need more people like him in this world.My condolences to his family.
CLD
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I’ve learned so much on this man. Im glad I picked him for my end of the year historical person project. This man is a hero and touched so many peoples hearts. I know he touched mine. God bless him and his family!
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