Midd Grad’s Brothers Killed in Gaza

I delight when I find stories about Middlebury students and alumni in my Google Reader, but this is one story I do not relish reading.

Two brothers of Amer Shurrab ’08.5, who presently lives in Washington, DC, were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Friday.

According to the Times Argus,

Amro Shurrab said his father, Mohammed Shurrab, and his brothers, Ibrahim and Kassab Shurrab, were returning home from their family farm at around 1 p.m. Gaza time, during what is normally a mid-day lull in hostilities. Israeli troops had occupied a house along their route, positioning themselves on the roof and at the windows.

“They just opened fire, without warning, without saying anything, with no reason.” Amro Shurrab said.

…

Kassab Shurrab was hit a total of 18 times, his brother said, including at least once in the chest. He jumped out of the car, went 14 yards, collapsed on the ground and died. Ibrahim Shurrab and Mohammed Shurrab were both hit.

…

Shortly after midnight, Amro Shurrab said, his brother died. All this time, Israeli soldiers watched, he said. They never tried to take the Palestinians into custody or responded to Mohammed’s pleas for help.

…

“I’m trying to be strong for my family and for everyone I love,” he said. “It has been horrific. Still, in a way, I can’t believe it’s real. It doesn’t seem possible that in this day and age and time that this thing would be allowed to happen.”

You can read the full story at Times Argus by clicking the link above.

Update: Per the comments, you can watch two videos from Democracy Now! of Amro Shurrab describing the events: Part I and Part II.

Update 1/23: It has been brought to my attention that there is a Facebook group concerning this tragic situation: Shurrab Family – urgent help – Gaza.

Update 1/25: The comments are piling up on President of the College Ron Liebowitz’s post on this issue. – Ryan

Update: 1/26: A Democracy Now video (first of three) – Ryan