Waleed J. Iskandar
(1967-2001)
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We would like to convey our deepest and heartfelt regret for the tragic death of Waleed. Suddenly the cruel and coward terror attack became part of our personal life and took away our partner and friend. Our thoughts are with you and his family. Over the last years we had established a strong business relationship of overwhelming intensity and trust. Waleed was a great thinker, a consistent source of inspiration and just a wonderful person to work with. Waleed has been an exceptional colleague and close friend - we will always keep him in our heart.
(09/13/2001) |
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Waleed touched us all with his magic. Amanda and I have never known a smarter, gentler man and I'm so proud to have been his friend. Everyone he touched he made smile, and everyone he loved he left a better, happier person. With so much evil in the world, he stood out as a truly good man. We will miss him so much. (By "Max Weston" 09/13 /2001) |
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Waleed was in a league of his own in every aspect of life. He was an inspiration to me & to all those that knew him. He “synonym”-ed a life –far from privileged, punctuated with horrible events- yet ALWAYS well lived. With his wings, it seemed that he seared unharmed by what affected the rest of us. He knew no bitterness. He rubbed off what was sad, & kept all that was joy. His parents, Joseph & Samia, are like my parents. They know the meaning of unconditional love, & they deliver unconditional support. They raised my father and helped my parents in raising me. I am so sorry for the pain they feel. Those that knew Waleed know no words to qualify his zest and his spirit. Those that did not, I ask that you visit his links http://iskandar.com/waleed911/ to experience a glimpse of his many lives that he lead in his short one. We will remember him forever & daily. Pray for us. Live 100 lives in one. Be happy. Love unconditionally. Thanks again. (By "Mounir A. Hajjar" 09/24/2001) |
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It is with all my love and respect for Waleed, that I write these quotes. I know that Waleed would approve of my choice This is how he lived his life ..... "Treat today as if you won't exist tomorrow ". (Author Unknown) "If we live good lives, the times are also good. As we are such are the times." (St. Augustine) "Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart”. (Author Unknown) "The rainbows of life follow the storm”. (Author Unknown) "Love and do what you like". (St Augustine) "The sky does weep, but tears of joy ". (Author Unknown) My cousin Waleed tried to come into God's presence; He used his special keys: Love, Love, Love and Love ... God wide opened his door, And lovingly chided:" My child, welcome to my place ..." We love you Waleed! You lived ... We’ve learned ... Samia (By "Samia Bakhos" 11/22/2001) |
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Pain … When I think of you, I have a painful feeling. Pain starts forming deep down in my throat, As if I am chalking. It ascends slowly to my head. I feel like my skull is going to explode. Tears start forming in my eyes. Then, they fall like a stream down my cheeks. Oh God!! How much it aches. (11/22/2001) |
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It is impossible to speak of Waleed other than in superlatives. Loveable, gentlemanly, scholarly, kindly- he was a man in the very best sense of that meaningful term. Those who knew him loved him; the better they knew him the more they loved him. He possessed great personal charm; men were drawn to him irresistibly for a chat and friendship; women enjoyed his charisma. He radiated from his personality a glamour and sweetness. In their eulogies, his sister May and his cousin Maria considered him their hero. To his brother Sany he was a shining light. Sany was to be his best man on his wedding to Nicolette. In her eulogy his fiancée, Nicolette, talked about them having “their own little family”. He loved children and especially his nephews and nieces. Waleed was admired by many others that we do not know. Waleed now rests in peace, but his noble and shining spirit remains to comfort us. He is deep in our hearts, and will continue there, warmly, as long as there is life within us. His sterling qualities and his great achievements in such a short life will live on forever. We pray the Almighty God may grant him eternal rest. (By "George, Eileen and Carl" 11/26/01) |
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Why “Waleed” and not me? This question I asked God a thousand times a day ..... Then, I stopped asking. I found out that there is no answer to this question !!! (09/11/01) |
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My friend, we have something in common even though we have neither met nor known each other. We have both recently lost someone close to us. You lost a dear member of your family, as did I. I found out about Waleed, God rest his soul, from the New English School website. You see, the one I lost is also on that website. I lost my mother on October 2nd. She died at the school, about 5 minutes before I was due to go to one of her lessons. I know that nothing I can say will help in the slightest except that you should know this: I understand your pain, I feel it as well. Just looking at the site established in Waleed's memory made me remember my own grief. I still grieve, as do you. That process will not stop, but it will grow easier in time. Take solace in knowing that you will see Waleed again. A death in a family is a hole in a family. It will never close, and it will always be there. But those around must learn to go on. Waleed will always be treasured in your hearts and you will all look forward to seeing him again. He will never be gone, he will never be replaced and he will never be forgotten. I could not live with myself if I did not reach out and at least just add my name to the list of people who sympathize and who feel that pain with you. There are no words for the pain, and I am one who knows that all too well. So I won't try to tell you how I know what you're feeling, but please believe that I do and so we are united, even though we have never known one another. We share a pain in this world that is like no other. There will always be a difference in my eyes. There will always be a sadness there that wasn't there before. It will be there in your eyes also. But you must remember that Waleed is watching over you now. He loves you. He loves all of his family. This is obvious from the heartfelt sorrow that comes even out of a webpage. I am finding myself crying now. Not for my mother, for a change, but for your Waleed. Just to know that a family has had such a thing done to it makes me want to reach out to you. Unfortunately, I cannot be there in person to try to show you just how much I really do feel for you. A death, no matter whose, if the heart of that person was pure, is far more than the word tragic can possibly mean. Waleed, obviously a man of purest heart, was lost so suddenly, so pointlessly. A needless waste of a young man's life. My heart goes out to you, but words are useless. (By a friend "Aidan McGlinchey" 11/26/01) |
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Many a night I wake up and sit in front of the computer. I visit your web site and start looking at your photos. Pride fills my heart. I remember how proud I felt each time someone talked to me about you. How adventurous you are and how intelligent. How much you loved to travel and how much you loved Life. You showed it in your love for food and drink, in your love to dress and buy nice and expensive things. You showed it in your love for your friends and colleagues. You showed it in your flying thousands of miles just to attend a wedding of a friend, whether the wedding is in Turkey or England; Hawaii or Las Vegas. You have to be there. Most of the times you were the best man or in the Groom’s party. My heart feels big. You have left me a legacy. Your memory will always be sweet in my heart and in my thoughts. I love you..... (09/27/01) |
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Waleed's Garden ... Today, we finished your garden. George and Eileen had ordered two plaques from Ford City, Pennsylvania, one for their garden and the other for your garden. I installed the flood light that projects on your name during the night. We turned the light on and we read "Waleed's Garden". Carisa asked "why did you give Waleed your garden?" I answered her: "So that we will remember Waleed every time we step out to the garden." Waleed will stay with us. Waleed will never leave us. He is always with us. (11/27/01) |
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On our way back from our trip to Beirut, we passed by your home in London. I looked in your bedroom cupboard. I took one of your leather jackets. Every morning, when we go to church, I wear your jacket. It gives me the feeling that you are with me. I can feel you every time my hand touches the jacket. I pretend that you are sitting next to me praying with me to the Almighty. (11/29/01) |
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I read that Grief has stages: The first stage is shock and disbelief. The second stage is suffering and pain. The third stage is renewal, a new beginning, a healing, Just to learn how to adjust and live with the pain. It is 80 days and nights since you passed away. I think I am still in the first stage. I am still hoping for the phone to ring or the doorbell to chime And at the front door, it's your face that I see I still cannot imagine life without thee. (11/30/01) |
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Life will never be the same. There was life with Waleed. Now, there is life without Waleed Oh God! what a difference. I used to see the sunrise in his Face. I used to see the full moon I used to see the stars shine in his eyes Alas! All this is no more (12/01/01) |
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We have been honored as the father of a young man, Waleed Iskandar, who died on flight 11 has joined our prayer circle. Joseph, I send welcome and special prayers to you. I am so happy that you have joined us. Thank you.
Before I go any further in our prayer requests I would like to tell
you that I have finally finished lighting candles for every person
who lost their lives on 911. |
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A grieving Father!
My eyes are not the same,
There was a Joseph before Nine Eleven (12/03/2001) |
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Those Unforgettable short moments with Waleed, occasionally and during the holidays, Christmas New Year and Easter, nobody can imagine how pleasant they were to our hearts. In Northridge, we still remember his nice smiles and talks and feel as if he is alive and amongst us, all the year round. His impressive presence inspired a brilliant future. But his premature loss dropped every fruitful thought. To quote all his qualities is impossible. At least we may conclude that his talent was appreciated and admired by his colleagues. His respectful behavior and honorable generosity in the society obliged every one who knew him to look at him as a symbol of fine character. So it is the will of GOD to whom we beg and pray, to rest his Soul in peace in Paradise. With our deepest regrets. (Edmond and Romaine, 12/07/2001) |
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One less present under the Christmas tree!
This year, we are dreading the coming Holidays ... There will not be a phone call informing us of your arrival time. There will not be a trip to the airport to pick you up and bring you home. There will not be a waiting Samia for our arrival home. There will be an empty chair at the dinner table on X-mass Eve. There will be an empty bed in your bedroom on X-mass night. There will be one less present under the X-mass tree. There will be lots of Prayers for you on Christmas day. (12/09/01) |
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I lost a Part of me During the years of my life, I lost many friends and relatives. I lost my BEST friend when he was fifty five. I lost both my parents. I mourned for them ALL. I grieved for them ALL. Then I lost our son, Waleed. The grief, the mourning and the bereavement are different. I lost a PART of me .............. (12/10/01) |
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My journey through your loss is long and filled with pain and agony. The only thing out that is left for me is the love of GOD. To be alone with the love of GOD is my only way to find life again. (12/12/01) |
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This is a time for contemplation for all of us, and when we do so this year we immediately think of you and Samia. It is no doubt painful for you two to sustain the absence of Waleed during the Xmas Season. Whether he was with you in person or not on such occasions made no difference as long as you knew he was always there and you could pick up the phone any time and call him. This is the will of God. God's will sometimes is hard to comprehend, but we have to accept it. The way you are reacting to God's will is a great accomplishment. We always pray, and especially nowadays, for you, Samia, May, Sany, and their families to have the grace to continue tolerating the consequences of such a cruel act which affected and injured you all deep into your hearts. There is no need to mention that we love you all and we have you in our minds. May God bless the soul of Waleed and be with you at all times.
Love, (12/17/01) |
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Before the Death of Waleed, I used to be afraid of death. After the Death of Waleed, I accept death any time. (12/17/01) |
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I have sent you this poem, it would mean a lot to me, for you to have it. I wrote this poem just minutes after the second plane crashed. I had a friend also aboard Flight 11 from Boston, her name was, Tara Creamer, and she too was taken from us violently and suddenly. I have family all over NYC, and I wanted to send you my heartfelt remorse for your lose, I also know that no amount of words and prayers could ever bring our loved ones home again, but it does feel good to know that someone out there is praying for you and your family. I will say a prayer for your family, and would like you to know that you are in my heart, prayers, and thoughts, as this holiday season swiftly approaches. GOD BLESS you and your family, and always remeber that GOD is always watching over all of us. Love, Dianna Wilkens Brodnax,VA (12/18/01) |
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The Ultimate Gift: My heart goes out to you and your family. Its hard to imagine how many peoples lives changed on that dreadful day in Sept. As you said on your webpage, his death was not in vain. It opened Americas eyes to show us we are not above terrorist strikes. Your son, and others on board that flight, are the reason that our Country will rise to over come world organized terrorist. It is a great price for your family and others to pay, but always know that in my heart and many others, your son will be the reason that one day, everyone will be able to live their lives without having to worry about terrorism. It was the ultimate sacrifice, and I know you miss him dearly, but you should be so proud of him. He is the reason this Country, and hopefully, world, will change to a loving, caring, peaceful place. What a wonderful place that will be. I just wanted to let you know, that I do care and if you ever need someone to email and talk to, I will be here. Its the very least I can do for you, and most of all, your son. I know the holidays will be tough, but please keep in mind, your son gave the greatest gift of all...his life. Now, God has given him the greatest gift of all, a place by his side in a world we could only dream about. Sincerely, Jerry Massengill North Carolina (12/19/01) |
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I was chocked I was furious I did not want to believe. Praying which I always do brought peace into my heart and mind. I just want you to know that I was always proud of Waleed as a brother. With pride I spoke every where of Waleed of his, Success, Kindness, and above all his Modesty. Despite the fact of being 10 years older I was inspired by his achievements, and always looked up to him, this is something I rarely do. As believers our only relief is getting closer to God and talking to Jesus, because I'm confident that Waleed did not leave us for no reason, being selected is not a coincidence. I pray from the bottom of my heart to you all, and ask Jesus to enlighten your hearts, and fill it with belief so you can always see Waleed in heaven lightening our life with his smile, and his heart. I love you all John Bakhos Beirut, Lebanon |
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Unfortunately we never met Waleed personally, but you have proudly spoken to us of him. As such, he's always been in our hearts even though we didn't know him . It was enough to see the glitter in your eyes as you were talking about him, to know how proud you were of him. That pride will never die. Waleed will always be remembered in our hearts and the hearts of those who loved him. He always made you feel proud parents. Let the feeling of pride you had for him when he was with you, as well as that same feeling you have for him now that he's away, be your greatest consolation. Friends all over the world are making memorial services for him. We hope his sacrifice will not be in vain. We hope this tragedy will unite people all over the world, and instead of retaliation and hatred, love and peace will prevail. So Joseph, choose a moment in time, a moment when all your friends and all the friends of Waleed all over the world from the far east to far west will be awake, a moment when whether they are in their homes, offices, church or on the road, they will stop for a moment, close their eyes, spread their arms as if to touch other friends, and pray for Waleed, pray for all those who parished in that awful tragedy and pray for Love and Peace. Maybe if we all unite in that moment of hope, maybe then, Peace will prevail, and Waleed's sacrifice will have a meaning. Each of us came here for a purpose. Waleed's purpose was the greatest of them all. Do not let your hearts bleed, Waleed will always be remembered and reverred. So rest assured, God will bless his soul. Love to all, Beirut, Lebanon |
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It is Hundred days since your death. It looks like hundred seconds to me. Your photo is in every room. We have one in the corridor. Your Mom wants to look at your face every time she crosses from one room to the other. And to tell you the truth I, too, want that. Today, your portrait will be ready. We will hang it on the best wall in the house. It is there where you belong, Your Dad (12/20/2001) |
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Dear Joseph,
Thank you for sharing the wonderful stories about
Waleed with me.
With Love, |
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They are wrong ..................
Those who said time heals,
I see you all around me.
They tell me your eyes are red.
I feel pain inside my head.
I love you |
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You and Samia will be in my Masses and prayers as we celebrate Christmas as I know you will have many memories of Waleed which will bring sadness. However, thank God you have so many pleasant memories of Waleed and of the years God gave him to you in this life. Waleed has only preceded us to our everlasting home in heaven. But the separation is hard to take. I know that he will help you through this very painful experience and this painful time. Cherish each other and the other members of the family. That's what Christmas is all about. It is the birthday of the Lord Jesus. Lets celebrate Him.
Father Sean Cronin
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