It’s been just over a week since Syracuse University student Bassel Al Shahade was killed in Homs, Syria. Last night, friends, colleagues, and teachers gathered on the SU Hill to remember him.
Many also hope the event brings awareness to the violence in Syria.
“It’s really sad that it needs someone to die, who was at an American University, so people would be so interested in what’s happening… lots of people are dying every day,” said Lana Meiqari, a friend of Bassel’s in Syria.
Bassel, a Fulbright Scholar, was killed in Homs, Syria, on May 28 while working as a citizen journalist. He was originally from Damascus, the Syrian capital.
Al Shahade was studying film at Syracuse University at the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He was a graduate student working towards a master of fine arts.
His friends and teachers met on the steps in front of Hendricks Chapel, where they also prominently displayed a large portrait of him.
A formal memorial service for Bassel Al Shahade will be planned for the fall.