From the moment militants of the Islamic State publicly claimed him as a captive on Oct. 3, Abdul-Rahman Kassig went from a largely anonymous aid worker to front-page news -- from some kid from Indiana to the “he could have been my son,” boy next door.
But Abdul-Rahman Kassig, who was known as Peter Kassig before converting to Islam in 2013, had no desire to be known. He had no plans for fame or infamy. His deepest wish was to shine a light on the plight of the Syrian people, to show the world what was happening and to offer up his own hands in service.
Tragically, this story of a self-professed optimist trying to make the world better has a pessimist’s ending. A video of Kassig's murder was released by the Islamic State in early morning hours of November 16.
Through his parents’ heartbreaking plea for his safe return to the words written by his friends, teachers and colleagues, the world has learned about Kassig and come to know his plight. His life shouldn’t be measured by the way it ended. Abdul-Rahman Kassig deserved the dignity of defining his own story and so, in remembering him for his life, it only seems fitting that he gets the last word.
Abdul-Rahman Kassig as a young boy with his mother, Paula Kassig, at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin, Kentucky, during a family camping trip in 2000. (Courtesy of Kassig Family)
Abdul-Rahman Kassig fishing with his father, Ed Kassig, near the Cannelton Dam on the Ohio River in southern Indiana in 2011 (Courtesy of Kassig Family)
(Courtesy of Kassig Family)
Abdul-Rahman Kassig (middle) helps push an ambulance up a hill during his time working with SERA. Photo taken near Deir Ezzor in August 2013. (Courtesy of Kassig Family)
Kassig delivering a van full of aid. (Courtesy of Kassig Family)
Working as a medic to help a wounded man, Kassig was a trained emergency medical technician, he provided medical aid and first-aid training to those involved in the Syrian conflict in his work with Special Emergency Response and Assistance (SERA). Photo taken near Deir Ezzor in August 2013. (Courtesy of Kassig Family)