The Japanese hostage execution and the lingering stories

(Baonghean.vn) - Efforts to rescue Japanese journalist Kenji Goto failed when he was brutally executed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). It's all over, but the stories surrounding his death make us think.

On February 1, the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) released a video showing the beheading of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto after Japan and Jordan failed to cooperate in a hostage exchange as requested by IS. This event ended Japan's efforts to rescue its hostages from the deadly hands of IS.

This inhuman act has caused the whole world to experience a range of emotions, from pity and pain to anger and indignation. The person most hurt must be Mrs. Junko Ishido, mother of journalist Kenji Goto.

In a press conference at her home after learning of her son’s execution, she seemed unable to hold back her tears. However, she apologized, an apology to everyone for the inconvenience her son’s death had caused, for causing everyone to waste their time and attention over the past period.

An apology that makes us think. Why did she apologize at the most painful moment, the moment when she should have received sympathy from everyone? Perhaps this is also one of the noble virtues of the Japanese people, what we often know as the "Japanese spirit".

In pain over the passing of a family member, she still thinks of those around her. That apology is more like a sincere thank you for everyone's concern for her family's story. In the midst of grief and loss, she must always be optimistic and have faith, looking forward to a brighter tomorrow...

About Kenji Goto, Goto always emphasized that he was not a war journalist but only told the stories of ordinary people. This led him to refugee camps and orphanages. He only wrote stories about children suffering from violence, hunger and nightmares.

Although not a war correspondent, who is known for his courage in facing danger to report from the battlefield, in Goto, people see in him a courage that many people admire. Simply because the reason Goto decided to go to Syria was to rescue Haruna Yukawa, a friend of his, who was also executed by IS a week before him.

Not only is Kenji brave, he also brings us a message of kindness and tolerance. Before his trip to Syria, Goto recorded a video of himself. "No matter what happens to me, I will always love the Syrian people..."

Kenji’s story of tolerance somewhat reminds us of Lassana Bathily, the Muslim man who bravely rescued hostages in the terrorist attack in France not long ago. He also sent us a message of solidarity and mutual love against the crisis brought by terrorists. We can use force to eradicate terrorism, but it is the spirit of optimism, faith and tolerance that is the core strength that helps us overcome difficulties. That is also the lesson and message that we need to always understand, so that the sacrifice of examples like Kenji Goto will not be meaningless.

Minh Nhat(Synthetic)