Son Killed by ISIS. Parents Create James Foley Legacy Fund
By Rakesh Raman
“Our son James was murdered by ISIS in Syria on August 19th 2014. His life challenges us all to love and forgive one another, and to make this world a better place,” assert Diane and John Foley, parents of James Foley, who was killed by the militant outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Foley’s parents have created James W. Foley Legacy Fund for building a resource center for the families of American hostages and fostering a global dialog on governmental policies in hostage crises among its other objectives.
Earlier, in a shocking revelation, Foley’s mother had said she was not allowed by the U.S. administration to save her son, an American journalist.
She claimed the government officials suggested that the family can’t pay ransom to get Foley released from his captors, as paying ransom is not permitted under law, and paying ransom to ISIS will encourage the militants to kidnap more Americans.
Foley’s captors had demanded 100 million euros ($132.5 million) for his release, it was stated.
[ Read: Was the American Journalist James Foley Killed by ISIS? ]
Meanwhile, a recent issue of ISIS magazine Dabiq has given its version of the execution of James Foley. While explaining the cause of Foley’s death, the militant group says in the magazine that Foley’s execution was a retribution for the recent American aggression against the Muslims of Iraq. “Foley’s blood is on Obama’s hands,” said an article in Dabiq.
[ Read: Islamic State Magazine Dabiq Reveals the Cause for James Foley’s Execution ]
It’s believed that ISIS has kidnapped many other civilians to avenge the U.S.-led attacks on the ISIS forces that are trying to conquer Iraq, Syria, and many other parts of the world to establish a large Islamic State.
Austin Bennett Tice, an American journalist, went to Syria in 2012 as a freelance journalist to report on the conflict there. Two days after his 31st birthday, on August 13, 2012, his family and friends lost contact with Austin, as he was preparing to travel from Daraya – near Syrian capital Damascus – to Beirut, Lebanon.
While it’s believed that ISIS has kidnapped him, FBI has put Austin’s details under the “Kidnapping” section of its website, asking people to inform FBI if they have any information about him.
[ Read: Is Austin Tice also an ISIS Hostage in Syria? ]
John Cantlie, a British war reporter, appeared in a new video that is reported to be released by ISIS. Cantlie appeared in the customary orange-color robe similar to the one worn by James Foley, Steven Sotloff, and British hostage David Haines, who were reportedly beheaded by ISIS.
The video showed Cantlie delivering a message, saying his government has abandoned him and he has nothing to lose.
[ Read: New Video Shows John Cantlie as ISIS Hostage ]
In another case of alleged abduction, it’s said that Abdul-Rahman Kassig disappeared in October 2013 in Raqqa, a city in Syria. Assuming that their son is a captive of ISIS, his parents are appealing for his release using various channels including social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
The family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig has set up an official YouTube channel to discuss about him and his freedom from his captors.
Ed and Paula Kassig, parents of Abdul-Rahman, have sent a special video message through the YouTube channel for their son’s release.
[ Read: Islamic State Hostage Abdul-Rahman Kassig’s Family Uses Social Media Asking for His Release ]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Islamic State (IS) is a militant organization, which is currently active in Iraq and Syria. With a strong force of over 30,000 fighters under its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS is attacking different nations with the aim to set up a large Islamic State.
By Rakesh Raman, the managing editor of RMN Company
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