For Immediate release

AAF Mourns the tragic loss of life at Virginia Tech

Contact Are Assaf, 973-960-3673

Paterson, NJ, 4/17/07) - The American Arab Forum, AAF, offers its deepest prayers and condolences to the American people, to the American Arab and Muslim community, and to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured in yesterday's tragic shooting massacre on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. In times of great tragedy, we all must come together, counsel each other and provide much needed comfort and assurance to the bereaved.

Aref Assaf, President of AAF expressed his “sincere sorrow at the tragic loss of young and promising human lives in such a venerable place where not only freedom to think and create is nurtured but freedom to be safe and secure is taken for granted.” We in New Jersey mourn the loss of  two of the victims and offer their families our sincere sympathies. Additionally we have learned that at least two students of Lebanese decent were amongst the dead."

“As we begin to comprehend the enormity of this ordeal, parents, teachers, students and indeed our entire nation, must  ensure that the halls and corridors of our academic institutions continue to be a venue for creativity and positive contributions to society.”

 American Arab Forum
 

Two Lebanese Virginia Tech Students among Shooting Victims

 

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Samaha, a Virginia resident, and Alameddine, a Massachusetts resident, were both 19.