An Act of Supreme Sacrifice
Like countless other individuals throughout this country and the world,I was overcome with shock, horror, grief, and disgust when I first learned of the tragic massacre at Virginia Tech. Almost numb with astonishment I quickly searched to find more information. The more I read on the internet, the heavier my heart felt as I learned of the young lives that were cut short due to this senseless tragedy.
While much of the news coverage demonstrated the frightening ability one person has to harm so many others, there was a story that described the incredible ability people have to reach the highest levels of heroism and self-sacrifice when faced with a horrific reality. After I discovered that one of the Virginia Tech victims was Professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor who died as he barricaded the door to his classroom as the gunman approached to allow time for his students to escape through the windows, I was overcome with awe at Professor Librescu’s valiant display of courageous sacrifice.
As many of you are aware, the Virginia Tech massacre took place on Yom Hashoah, the international day of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust. It seemed fitting that on the day we remember those who faced and experienced the pinnacle of human evil, a Holocaust survivor should have again faced sheer, depraved evil and battled and sacrificed to save others.
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