When Professor Liviu Librescu set off to work at Virginia Polytechnic Institute on Monday morning, did it ever occur to him that he would die while saving his students' lives that day?
The 76-year-old aeronautics professor, a Holocaust survivor, was shot by a crazed killer as he shielded the classroom door so his students could safely escape.
While the massacre at Virginia Tech generates shock waves worldwide, the death of Professor Librescu stands out. He is hailed across the media as a hero -- and even that title seems meager compared to his self-sacrifice.
The published facts are somber and stark: Librescu survived the Holocaust, then trained and began his career in communist Romania until he was hunted down for the "crime" of lack of allegiance to the regime. He eventually escaped to Israel in 1978 and then relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia in 1986 where he was highly regarded in Virginia Tech's engineering science and mechanics department. Students and friends describe him as kind, generous, hard-working, and good-hearted, but they never could have imagined the depth of his fortitude until that fateful Monday.
"My father blocked the doorway with his body and asked the students to flee," Joe Librescu, one of Professor Librescu's two sons, told the Associated Press from his home near Tel Aviv. "Students started opening windows and jumping out."
A local Virginia newspaper, The Daily Progress, interviewed Josh Wargo, one of the last students to jump out the window to safety. In the moment before he jumped, Wargo looked back to see his professor determinedly barricading the door shut.
"I was in the back of the classroom when this happened. Immediately after I saw students jumping out of the window and almost instinctually I followed them," said Wargo. "I have recently learned from another classmate going out the window that [he and I] were two of the last students to make it out safely. If Dr. Librescu was not at the door, I don't know what would have happened to me."
Caroline Merrey, another student saved by Librescu's bravery, recounted her experience to the Roanoke Times. "I just remember looking back and seeing him at the door," the Virginia Tech senior recalled of her professor before she escaped out the window. "I don't think I would be here if it wasn't for him."
This is a man who risked his own life in the spur of the moment to save his students; who suppressed his own self-preservation instinct so that others could live on. A man who survived the horror of the Holocaust, then went on to be persecuted by the oppressive communist regime in Romania. If human accounting governed the theatre of life, this is a man whose many years of suffering would surely seem entitled to live out his life in comfort and die peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
There are those who can transform an instant into a lifetime achievement.
But it was not so. Instead, Liviu Librescu was killed by Seung-Hui Cho, who shot the professor and left him to die alone. Librescu perished in the classroom, the place where his son testified that his father "felt most at home." Is there a more immortal way for mortal man to die than by enabling countless others to live?
He received a proper Jewish burial in Israel, thanks to strenuous efforts on behalf of Chabad and the Jewish community members in Virginia and in accordance with the wishes of his wife, Marlena.
How ironic it is that Librescu survived the hazards of the labor camps and ghetto during World War II and escaped the iron rod of tyrannical oppression in Romania, only to perish inside the serene, insular walls of a university campus. Even more incongruous is the fact that he was murdered on Holocaust Memorial Day -- Yom HaShoah.
President Bush paid tribute to Librescu's outstanding heroism during an address at the United States National Holocaust Museum. "With the gunman set to enter his class, this brave professor blocked the door with his body while his students fled to safety," Bush said on Wednesday.
In an about-face, the Romanian government conferred upon him a post-mortem honor in the form of The National Order -- a medal featuring two crosses. Dubious tribute for the Jewish hero, but his selfless actions will long be remembered not only by the students he saved, but by all who hear of his bravery.
The widely circulated photograph of the slain professor shows him with an almost ethereal quality -- his eyes lifted upward slightly, as though deep in thought, his mouth turned up in a tiny smile. Doubtless, his thoughts were complex; he was renowned internationally for his academia and expertise. But his countenance is devoid of bitterness or enmity despite the hardships he underwent.
As they recall the nightmarish events of that terrible Monday in April, the students who escaped from Dr. Librescu's classroom will doubtless remember forever this gentle man whose mild demeanor clearly belied the core of steel that prompted his final sacrifice.
There are those who can transform an instant into a lifetime achievement. Liviu Librescu exalted his final moments by saving countless young lives. His legacy of heroism and sterling character burns bright as we mourn his passing.
(46) augustine johnson, December 16, 2012 3:22 AM
yes a hero--and yesterday more heros in newtown conn--usa
yes the professor was definitely a hero===augustine johnson---usa
(45) John Van Slyke, January 12, 2010 3:57 AM
Prof. Librescu is the quintessential hero.
Everyone is a "hero" lately. We see that label bestowed so liberally that it has lost its true meaning. George Bush actually said in the days after 9/11, "I believe that everyone who died on that day is a hero." What? Someone just sitting at his desk on the 93rd floor when a jetliner happens to vaporize his cubicle is a "hero"? In my opinion, one only deserves recognition as a hero if he knowingly sacrifices his life to save the life of another. Even the men who attempted to overtake the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, although they acted bravely, were acting as much to save their own lives as anyone else's. And while their actions deserve our praise and respect because they doubtless saved the lives of countless people in Washington, I do not believe they rise to the level of Librescu's. Nor did the actions of Captain Sullenberger. He demonstrated extraordinary skill and professionalism, but heroism? I think not. Or perhaps there are different levels of heroism. Either way, the visage of Professor Librescu, fully aware but terrified in the knowledge that he was living the last moments of his remarkable life, watching with some sense of joy as his students, one by one, escaped to safety and holding on with his last ounce of strength, that as many as possible would live, is the epitome of heroism. I wish I had known this man. I hope those who did know him appreciate how much their lives must have been enriched by him. He is the quintessential hero.
(44) Dan, January 18, 2009 7:51 AM
The teacher of heroism
What a great man,what sacrifice, what example to emulate.I am not jewish but I have the utmost respect for the jewish people and for their legacy to the world. This man is yet another part of that tremedous legacy and contribution.I only wish there were more people like him here in Romania.People that care,that are sensitive to the suffering of others ,that give something back to the world.The current generation in Romania is morally bankrupt and valueless.I feel we should more often to people like this brave man. Thank you Mr.Librescu for your dedication and service to humanity.
(43) Yisroel Yitzchak Martin, November 3, 2007 6:37 PM
He live's...
I know as a person who has gone through self trails* that after something that harsh happens your self preservation instinct becomes many times as strong. For this man, who deserves my name more than I do,To sacrafise what life he had left was a heroism no-one but he and those who have been personally tortured can understand. I wont claim to have been tortured as harshly as him but I had it bad enough to help me understand his love for life. My name means "I wrestled with an angel and won" this man however deserves more than some little medal from a country. He does'nt deserves my name, My name means I fought with an angel and I have, this man however didnt wrestle he just did, he acted with no interest in self to save those that had become a part of his life. He deserves more than sorrow and morning by people everywhere he desrves the best. He deserves for His memory to become something someone conjures with love not sorrow. Many people no dought ask, "Why did he go?" or "Why this man?" The answer : Because he was a man of greater stature than any of us has met. He, I have absolutly no doabt felt only love of life when he died.
(42) Michael Grabowski, May 4, 2007 12:10 AM
Heros aren't born they live & learn that life is to be cherished !!!
Life teaches you that one day there are only two choices, and you have only seconds to take action !!
(41) Jay, April 28, 2007 12:05 AM
About face??
It really wasn't an "about face" by the Romanian government. Romania is a democracy now, and the current government should not be blamed for communist oppression. The medal is the highest honor from the government of Romania -- and would be far from the only such honor from European countries with a cross on it. I would call it a big improvement over a medal with communist symbols!
Professor Librescu was widely acclaimed in the Romanian press (and yes, they mentioned that he is Jewish and a holocaust survivor, etc.), and in readers forums in the on-line editions, people overwhelmingly expressed admiration and pride in what he did.
As a partly-Romanian Jew, I mourn this great hero, along with all the others murdered at Virginia Tech.
(40) Stephanie Levi, April 25, 2007 8:40 AM
please send to Mrs. Pomerantz
Thank you for writing about the Romanian "honor" he received. I heard about this from friends who attended his funeral, but I did not know that the medal had crosses on it. The more things change, the more they stay the same. God be with us.
(39) Beverly Kurtin, Ph.D., April 24, 2007 11:04 PM
A hero indeed
I wept openly and unashamedly when I heard of the massacre at the University. When I heard about Professor Librescu I screamed in anguish. To survive the Shoah and then Romania only to be a victim of yet another mad man, particularly on Yom HaShoah was more than I could bear.
Then the news came out as to who had killed him my emotions behaved like billiard balls, bouncing all over the place; I simply could not get them under control.
Then my mind thought about the murderer's family and what they had done to come to this country bringing the seed of destruction with them. I bear them no enmity whatsoever. I wanted to somehow comfort both families.
As the news of the days went on and on I switched the television off. I prayed for both families and those of the others whose lives had been shattered. What else could I do? What else could anyone do?
A hero? The good professor certainly deserves that appellation. Just as crazed Nazis wrought the Holocaust, so did a mentally disturbed, hate-filled individual destroy good people, including our professor. Although it is unthinkable to even think about forgiving the Nazis, is it not within our hearts to forgive Cho? In particular, is it not within our hearts to tell his family that we don't place any blame on them. Their son was sick and not treated. What a loss to the world. And what a Kiddish HaShem!
(38) augustine johnson, April 24, 2007 6:47 AM
Why did he do this when others ran?
this might be a good question for your rabbis to answer ===
why did he do this as others ran?
(37) Jackie, April 23, 2007 4:51 PM
In a World with artificial hero's he is the true HERO, he will not be forgotten.
(36) Aviva, April 23, 2007 11:36 AM
What a kiddish Hashem!
Out of all the stories we've heard about the massacre at Virginia Tech, this is the only good story to come of it all. This man did a true kiddish Hashem by his great act. May all the world better understand the real nature of Jews from this hugely kind deed!
(35) Miriam, April 23, 2007 10:05 AM
Thank you from a Virginia Tech family
My son and daughter-in-law met at Virginia Tech during Sukkos of their freshman year. Her sister is a current sophomore and lives on campus. She also met her Jewish boyfriend at V.T.'s Hillel.
The Holy One Blessed Be He spared her life and those closest to her. After the convocation comemorating the lives of the dead and injured, she made the 5 hour drive back to her home to her parents and family.
She needed the blessed loving comfort that only they can supply. When classes resumed today she joined the students, instructors and support personnel who make this university set in the Blue Ridge Mountains the open and peaceful institution it is.
May the memory of Professor Liviu Librescu who gave his life to save his students be a blessing to all of us.
(34) Char, April 23, 2007 9:01 AM
Someone the world got to know
In the massive tragedies of the Holocaust, the dear professor may have only been remembered as a statistic except for those lives he interacted with at that time. Today, we remember him as laying down his life for every student in this classroom. The sorry irony is that it was like going back in time where he would have been shot or put to death in the gas chamber and he died from a gunshot wound if not multiple wounds.
But even in death, he taught the world what it means to be Jewish -- to think of others -- a repairer of the world. I believe in a nanosecond he saw himself having lived a full life while the students before him were just starting to embark upon their lives as a flower starts to blossom. There is no greater love a human being, let alone a Jew, can show his fellowman than to offer up his life to save another -- he saved many that day -- all in a nanosecond of selfless thought. What a tragic way to learn what he was made of, but he became the subject of many sermons in the christian community. I've heard some of them and we will all think of his valor and selfless as long as we live.
His last mitzvah is immortal. Not only will the students he saved that day forever cherish his selfless act of heroism, their families, friends, and all the rest of us have been impacted and He honored His Maker, his family and every Jew who died and who is alive. In a nanosecond lives can be saved and lost -- this is a time of introspection also: If put to the task, can we do any less? He taught us how to die an honorable death and we can do no less.
(33) augustine e johnson, April 23, 2007 8:51 AM
a true hero of israel
he was a true hero of israel ===== augustine, usa
(32) Nancy Baxter, April 23, 2007 6:01 AM
God bless Dr. Librescu and his family. The world would be a better place if more people were like him.
(31) Menashe Kaltmann, April 23, 2007 6:00 AM
Our thoughts and hearts go out to you!
To the Dear Family of Professor Librescu
We here in Australia a community of many Holocaust survivors.
We wish the traditional passuk
"HaMAkom Yenachem Eschem Be'Tok Avelei Tziyon Ve'Yerushalim"
May G-d comfort you amongst the mourners of Jerusalem and Yerushalim.
Menashe Kaltmann - Melbourne Australia
(30) Jessica Blanks, April 23, 2007 4:13 AM
He helped us all to Live
The choices and beautiful life of Liviu Librescu have helped us all to see a powerful light in the midst of great darkness. He reminded us that Hashem is King through his service to Him. He also gave us hope for the future and sorrow over sin and evil that we might mourn and return to Hashem. Let's all allow this to fully enter our hearts and transform our lives. Thank you
(29) debra, April 23, 2007 3:00 AM
Thanks to Riva Pomerantz regarding Mr. Librescu
What a beautiful and moving tribute to an angel here on earth. Thank you!
(28) glenna hill, April 23, 2007 12:44 AM
"No Need To Ask Where God Was At Virginia Tech;He Was There In A Man Willing To Give His Life For Others"
Dr. Librescu is a Godly Hero.How ironic
satan tried to forcibly take his life during the Holocaust and was unable to do so.Instead he willingly gave up his life at such a time as this.What a testimony to the life Giver Hashem!The value placed on life that's held dear to God and to those who believe in the Life Giver!The distinction of the Light of God over the darkness of satan!The love sown and shown inside this man's heart!Let the Arab Muslims,those following after satan,who are in bondage by his lies,murder,deceit,jealousy,pride and thievery with their false Mohammad doctrine take note:This is the differnce between light and darkness!The Way of God versus the ways of satan.The difference between the Torah teachings and the false doctrine of Mohammadism, made up of lies being used to get many into Hell!
(27) Anonymous, April 23, 2007 12:01 AM
Live freely..
Does his name mean Live Free...!!!????
(26) Anonymous, April 22, 2007 11:27 PM
wonderful man and story
this is a wonderful writeup. i wish i had known this selfless man.
(25) Larry Moskowitz, April 22, 2007 10:45 PM
Heroism
Now this defines the word Hero. Let the world learn from this great man.
(24) Yonatan Grossman, April 22, 2007 10:21 PM
Beautiful people write about saints
Thank you Riva Pomerantz for allowing to feel humble and proud while reading your beautifully written article. Prof Librescu was surely a Lamed Vavnik. Amy Wolpert (daughter of Leon ?)- I shared your tears
(23) david Schwep, April 22, 2007 9:42 PM
The Lord's Blessings be upon Professor Liviu Librescu's family
The Lord's Blessings be upon Professor Liviu Librescu's family and friends. May there be more of us who reflect the same selfless life - caring more for others than we do for our own personal interests.
(22) Lydia, April 22, 2007 7:17 PM
A shining example to us all
What greater love is there than this? I'm sure the Almighty has a special place reserved for him. His family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
(21) Paul Greenbaum, April 22, 2007 6:46 PM
Heroic Professor
There is no kind God that would let this happen. He,of all people had suffered enough.
(20) sjhepner, April 22, 2007 6:40 PM
Bravo Livescu...
I am sure his names mean Live...!!!In a world of suicide bombers he stands out...
he is an example to me of Honour, Courage, and Self Sacrifice...
Bravo Livio... Bravo Livescu...
(19) Azin David, April 22, 2007 5:43 PM
He was truly a special soul,Neshama, in this physical world.
As I read this article I realized that Professor Librescu must have great merit for having done such an act of Kidush Hashem, sanctification of Hashem's name, in front of the entire world. He was truly a special soul,Neshama in this physical world.
(18) ruth housman, April 22, 2007 3:46 PM
a righteous Jew in all respects
A beautiful tribute to a remarkable human being.
Even in the midst of such utter terror, confusion, chaos and sadness, within his great soul, a candle was burning and continues to burn on. He will never be forgotten. His acts will be passed on to the next generation and the next. His story is entirely about LOVE.
(17) agnes csato, April 22, 2007 3:03 PM
We roumanian jews have been through a lot even tough we didn,t go to Auschwitz.But to die shut down by a Corean is just to much,now in 2007. That shows the world that "WE" are endeed everywhere, all the time, as long as the world goes round.Viva ISRAEL for ever and all of us jews.Agnes Csato Kotzander.
(16) Matthew Hartmann, April 22, 2007 1:47 PM
May he sit at the right hand of G-d for his selflessness.
(15) -gk-, April 22, 2007 1:36 PM
A stunning man. There are no words that I can use to convey my awe and respect, so...I stand in silence.
(14) Belle, April 22, 2007 1:32 PM
We have learned so much from the Professor
Professor Librescu was not a celebrity but his name and life should be held up as an example to us all. This man, such a success in so many areas of life, who died in such a way that can only be referred to as a Sanctification of the Lord. His widow was quoted saying that Professor Librescu's favorite mitzvah was lighting the Sabbath candles. I am sure that he was a wonderful example of living Judaism throughout his lifetime and his death is both a terrible loss to us as Jews, to his family and students, to his profession,and to the world.
(13) Bob Burg, April 22, 2007 1:08 PM
Extremely Touching - What a Great, Great Man!
I had not heard about this until now. What an amazing story of a true tzadik in our time. A true Kidush Hashem.
(12) jonathan r v, April 22, 2007 12:33 PM
JEW ONLY CAN DO THIS
Professor did not think of his own family and children.His concern was the students life.Because a JEW dared his life.He knows pretty well he is going to die.Because he a JEW....
(11) jonathan, April 22, 2007 12:21 PM
JEWS ONLY SAVE THE WORLD
Professor did not think of his family and himself but only the students as his children.He pretty well knows he is going to die.Only JEW can do this.
(10) Anonymous, April 22, 2007 12:06 PM
It is sad to think on the day when the U.K. would not allow the Holocaust ciriculum to be taught in the schools for fear of offening the Muslim citizens. The World hears about the tragic loss & and unparrelled Heroism of 1 Holocaust survivor Professor Librescu.It says that Hashem has a role for all of us. Every year the Professors act of heroism will be remembered by the world as the Holocaust survivor who saved his students at V.T.
(9) Donna Belsky, April 22, 2007 11:34 AM
Wonderful Man!!!
My Sisterhood from the Beth Tfiloh Congregation(Modern Orthodox) in Baltimore would like to send a contribution card to Prof. Lebrescu's family. Can you get us their address either in the U.S.A. or in Israel? Thanks so much!
(8) Jan Hagen, April 22, 2007 11:23 AM
A exemple of self-offering
I have a great admiration for this brave man who left this legacy of selfoffering to save the life of his students.
(7) Connie, April 22, 2007 10:39 AM
An Awesome Hero
Reading this article brought tears of sadness that such a horrific thing could happen. My prayers to the remaining family. They have an awesome hero to remember.
(6) Michael, April 22, 2007 10:37 AM
Hero my any other name.
One does not awake and decide to be a hero. He is pushed into the 'moment" and does what he or she can showing his or her humanity.
Others call that one a hero, but not he or she. This professor is a HERO!!!
thank you so much for this article!!
(5) Patricia, April 22, 2007 10:17 AM
A dubious tribute? I resent that. As a Christian, I have great support for Israel, Jews and respect the Star or David. It would be an honor for me to receive it under such circumstances. IT DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE CALLING HIM CHRISTIAN !!!!! RESPECT IS A two way street.
In an about-face, the Romanian government conferred upon him a post-mortem honor in the form of The National Order -- a medal featuring two crosses. Dubious tribute for the Jewish hero, but his selfless actions will long be remembered not only by the students he saved, but by all who hear of his bravery.
(4) Dr. Hilary Luttinger, April 22, 2007 10:12 AM
So moved by Dr. Librescu's life and generosity
I was moved by this article and also by phtographs of the generous Dr. Librescu shown here and on TV. His face also struck me as both beautifully ethereal and yet very familiar...as if he were my uncle, brother or father. If fact he feels so related because he is a fellow Jew. I hope his family reads this and understands how moved people like me are by someone they never knew but wished they could have known.
(3) Mordechai, April 22, 2007 9:25 AM
The steel core
Very few of us know our true essence. I doubt Dr. Librescu knew his. We have a tradition that the last act of an individual can define his whole being. For example, the roman guard who repented at the last minute as Rabbi Akiva was dying was granted a place in the world to come. So too, we can expect Dr. Librescu's helek to have a magnificence matching his heroism and self sacrifice. Truly, he died kiddush ha shem. I am sure that jews worldwide all proudly said kaddish for him. I know we did..
(2) Ivri Tasker, April 22, 2007 9:15 AM
A Selfless Soul of Humanity
His legacy will live on in those he saved and those who remember him.
(1) Amy Weishaus, April 22, 2007 8:42 AM
How very moving!
This eloquent article about Dr. Librescu moved me to tears. He is a wondrous example of the best of humanity and the strength of our people. Thank you for connecting me to this tragedy in a way nothing else has....it is a tribute of great love and inspiration. Thank you.
Amy Wolpert Weishaus