Muslim Grad Student Sacrificed Self for Another Student at Virginia Tech

Another tale of heroism this time a Muslim graduate student named Waleed Shalaan, who was already wounded by the Virginia Tech killer, deliberately distracted the shooter long enough to allow a fellow student to escape.

This on the heels of the story of Jewish Professor Liviu Librescu who shielded his students from the killer.

Both men died protecting others.

In the Midst of Chaos Israeli Hero Gives Life to Save His Students

Liviu Librescu, a professor at Virginia Tech, bolted to the door of his classroom holding a table against the door and eventually blocking it with his body – preventing the gunman from entering until his students could escape through the windows. He was shot dead, but his actions saved his students who made it to safety. Librescu had held the shooter at bay long enough to ensure their survival.

While we mourn the victims of this senseless violence let us remember a man who selflessly and courageously laid down his life for the young people under his care.

But who was this man? Librescu was born and raised in Romania; he suffered under the Nazis surviving the holocaust as a Romanian Jew. Then he suffered further under Soviet domination of Romania until he and his family emigrated to Israel in 1978. He moved to the US to teach engineering sciences and continue his research. Ironically he died on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

As we remember the fallen on this sad day, let us take a moment to reflect upon this outstanding example of heroism and bravery.

Liviu Librescu is survived by his wife of 42 years and two sons. He was 76.