Iraqi Ambassador Runs Boston to Fight Terror
Iraq’s Ambassador to the US, joined more than 36,000 runners at the starting line of the Boston Marathon. “By running this race, I want Americans and Iraqis to establish a common bond—that we must work together not only to finish the marathon, but to remove terrorism from our society.”
Lukman Faily, Iraq’s Ambassador to the US, joined more than 36,000 runners at the starting line of the Boston Marathon. He had a solid finish for his third marathon; arguably more important, however, is his dedication to support victims of terror before, during and after Boston.
One year after bombs exploded near the marathon’s finish line, Ambassador Faily ran the 26.2 miles to show solidarity with last year’s bombing victims. The ambassador lived through Iraq’s worst years and is running to further link the US and Iraq in the fight against terrorism.
“By running this race, I want Americans and Iraqis to establish a common bond—that we must work together not only to finish the marathon, but to remove terrorism from our society,” said Ambassador Faily.
Over the last year, runners and non-runners alike have rallied to support the victims of the bombing and show the world what it truly means to be “Boston Strong.” Endurance, strength and perseverance are qualities needed to finish the long race—and to continue the fight against terrorism.
To further support victims of terror, Ambassador Faily also launched an effort to raise money for the Boston One Fund and Education for Peace in Iraq (EPIC), an organization that promotes peace and empowers young people in Iraq. Thus far, he has raised $3,560 for the Boston One Fund and $4,211 for EPIC.
“Iraq is improving and we have many avenues for growth. Our oil revenue, for example, will be used to build infrastructure, establish schools and provide medicine, but we still need help,” stated Ambassador Faily.“The US has been our partner for many years and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”
The ambassador certainly forged a common bond with fellow runners as they climbed Heartbreak Hill, the last of multiple hills near the end of the race.
“It was tough. I was fighting and I looked around and saw people cheering and other runners pushing—I knew we could do it together,” he said with a smile.
Experience the ambassador’s marathon journey on his Twitter page: @FailyLukman.
To learn more about Ambassador Faily, please visit the embassy website and his fundraising page for the Boston One Fund and EPIC. You can also read more about what inspired Ambassador Faily to run the marathon in his op-ed piece published in last week’s Boston Herald.
