A memorial service was held in Perth to commemorate the life of Scottish aid worker David Haines, who was killed by so-called Islamic State terrorists 10 years ago. Bethany Haines, Mr. Haines’ daughter, organized the event. She said her father would not want to be remembered as “the man in the orange jumpsuit” but as a man who loved and cared for his family.
Mr. Haines was captured by militants in Syria in March 2013 while delivering aid to the war-torn country. He was beheaded in 2014 by a terrorist cell known as “The Beatles,” due to their English accents. Footage of his murder was posted online, and his remains have not been found.
Ms. Haines described her father as “strong, kind, and caring,” and said he would have been happy to become a grandfather and spend time with her son. She stressed that her father’s death was not a result of religion but was due to “bad men doing bad things.”
The service also paid tribute to six other hostages who suffered a similar fate to Mr. Haines, including aid workers Alan Henning, Kayla Mueller, and Peter Kassig, and journalists James Foley, Steven Sotloff, and John Cantlie. A slideshow featuring photos of all the hostages was played during the service at Perth Congregational Church.
The minister who led the service referred to testimonies from other former hostages who spent time in captivity with Mr. Haines. He spoke highly of David, saying that, in the most difficult of circumstances, he was supporting others, mediating in disputes, keeping spirits up, and being strong for others. Two British nationals, El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey, are serving life in US jails for their involvement in the plot to kill hostages, while Mohammed Emwazi (Jihadi John) was killed in a drone strike in 2015. Ms. Haines thanked those who have supported her over the past decade, including the families of other hostages, the US government, and the charity Hostage International
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