Syracuse student killed by government forces in native Syria

Bassel Al Shahade was working as a citizen journalist filming attacks.

Syrian Syracuse University student Bassel Al Shahade was killed by Syrian government forces Monday while filming attacks on the city of Homs.

Shahade, who calls Damascus, Syria, home, was in his native country working as a citizen journalist when he was killed by government forces.

“This is a terrible tragedy for Bassel’s family and friends in Syria and for all his fellow students, faculty and friends here in Syracuse who knew him,” SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor said in an email sent to all SU students and faculty. “His death is also a tragedy for the Syrian people, who have suffered many months of tragic violence as they seek greater freedom for their nation.”

Shahade was a Fulbright Scholar and  one of 14 students enrolled in the master of fine arts and film program at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, according to The Post-Standard. He was planning on returning to SU in the fall.

 “Our thoughts are with Bassel’s loved ones and all of those connected to him at this very difficult time,” Cantor said. She said in an SU news release that that the university plans to hold a memorial for Shahade in the fall. 

Pay your respects on Shahade's memorial Facebook page, called "Bassel Shahade Singing for Freedom."

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