The world honours Muath Kasasbeh

As the terrible news hit the world Tuesday afternoon, Jordanians in Jordan and all around the world did not spend a moment not thinking about the martyr.

Muath Kasasbeh, a 26-year-old air force lieutenant from Ai, Karak, wrote history.

His name will be unforgettable, his memory will be eternal, and the way he sacrificed himself for his country, his people and his family makes him a courageous martyr we will all look up to.

As Jordanians who were not in Jordan when the news came, we felt the need to proudly honour Muath’s soul. 

Candlelight vigils, silent protests and prayer gatherings were arranged in his name, whether in front of Jordanian embassies, public spaces or university parks.

In Edinburgh, Ali, a Jordanian law student, spoke to a gathered crowd, around the Jordanian flag and Muath’s picture, saying: “Despite us being far away from our beloved Jordan, the kindness of the people here today brings us closer to home. This evening, our hearts are beating with Muath’s mother, his wife and everyone who loved him.”

From Karak to Qalqilia, to Bethlehem to the United Kingdom, to Korea, voices were heard saying “May your soul rest in peace, Lt. Muath Kasasbeh.”

Badia Al-Wer,
University of Edinburgh,
UK