I remember the murder of Daniel Pearl in real time, how shocking and horrifying it was. Each day the news was presenting yet another horrible thing that happened. I think between 9/11 and the murder of Daniel Pearl, Americans began to understand that they had enemies. Although fast-forward to today and we again don't seem to understand that anymore. We are all turned against each other in a most alarming way.
But, to the book, it is an excellent mix of the personal and the religious/political, the past and the time of the event. It is heartbreaking. It also speaks to the horror of our age of internet. Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered on camera specifically so that the video could spread terror among anyone who thinks they could become victims of Jihad such as Americans, Jews, and Christians and many others. And so it could spread feelings of success and bravery among Jihadists.
They murdered a good man who was trying to help the world. I thought of him today while listening to the shofar blowing. I was hoping he could hear it and I was wishing that the neshomah of Daniel Pearl should have an aliyah. My heart goes out to innocent and hurting people of all nations and religions, I wish peace and healing on us all.