In memory of two Emory University/Oxford College students

On Saturday we in Atlanta received the horrific news that two Emory University/Oxford College students were included in those killed in the attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Abinta Kabir and Faraaz Hossain.

I did not know Abinta and Faraaz, so I will not eulogize them as others have so eloquently. I do want to say, however, that all I have heard about them and even what is included in the recent story in The New York Times, indicates that they were, like so many Oxford College students, not only outstanding students; they were wonderful human beings. My heartfelt condolences go to their friends and family.

I also want to include the news from Emory University about the interfaith vigil for Abinta and Faraaz that will be held tomorrow, July 7, at 1 pm in Cannon Chapel (on the Atlanta campus). It will be live streamed for those who cannot make it in person:

An interfaith vigil in Cannon Chapel on Thursday, July 7, at 1 p.m. will honor the lives of Abinta Kabir and Faraaz Hossain, two Emory students who were killed in the recent terrorist attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh.Kabir, who was from Miami, was a rising sophomore at Emory’s Oxford College. She had traveled to Dhaka to visit family and friends. Hossain, a junior from Dhaka, was a graduate of Oxford College and a student at Goizueta Business School.

"The Emory community mourns this tragic and senseless loss of two members of our University family," the University noted in a statement issued Saturday. "Our thoughts and prayers go out on behalf of Faraaz and Abinta and their families and friends for strength and peace at this unspeakably sad time." 

The Emory students were among those killed July 1 when terrorists attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery, a popular restaurant in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. 

Thursday's interfaith vigil will offer prayers for peace around the world. Those who cannot attend the vigil may view it online through a livestream feed. 

Resources available for the Emory University community

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers confidential individual and group counseling for students. You can reach CAPS at 404-727-7450 or online. Oxford College students may also contact Dr. Sandra Schein by email.

• The Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provides a variety of programs and services, including psychological counseling, to promote the physical, emotional, social and occupational health of Emory employees. FSAP may be reached at 404-727-4328 (after hours press 2 for on-call crisis assistance) or online.  

• The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life provides a religious, spiritual, ethical and moral presence in our University community for people of all faith traditions and offers support, especially in difficult times. Visit the office’s website for a list of quiet spaces, worship and meditation sessions, and staff contact information. To contact a chaplain, call 404-727-6225 on the Atlanta campus or email Lyn Pace on the Oxford campus