A delegation of Bnei Brak residents traveled to Nof HaGalil in northern Israel on Thursday to attend the levaya of Amir Khoury, the Israeli Christian Arab policeman who saved countless lives by opening fire at the terrorist, paying with his life in the ensuing gun battle.
Khoury was a motorcycle police officer stationed in Bnei Brak and he and his partner were the first to reach the terrorist after he murdered four people in two locations. Unfortunately, Khouri became the fifth murdered victim but he and his partner’s heroism meant that he was the last one to be murdered.
In the past, Khoury also saved a Chareidi man from drowning, as seen in the photo below.
A B’Chadrei Chareidim article raised the question of whether Khoury is considered one of the Chassidei Umos HaOlam. A similar question is discussed in the sefer Chazon Ovadia.
HaRav Ovadia Yosef, z’tl, was asked a shaila regarding a Druze soldier who was killed by Arabs while protecting Israelis – whether it is appropriate to daven for the aliyah of his neshama in shul like is done for Chassidei Umos HaOlam, HaRav Ovadia Yosef, z’tl paskened that it is appropriate, as can be seen below.
Khouri left behind his parents and two sisters.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
As much respect as he truly deserves, being one of CHASIDEI UMOS HAOLAM he still only had a FUNERAL not a LEVAYA
To be amongst Chassidei Umos Haolam a person has to keep 7 Mitvzos Bnei Noach. The Druze are monotheistic as opposed to Christianity which is Avodah Zarah. Although there is a machlokes whether Bnei Noach are oiver AVodah Zarah if they believe in shituf like Christianity.
The quotes above are where the orthodox Jewish community looses its way
Yehoshuaahron: That is the opinion of the Rambam. Others disagree. See Tiferes Yisrael to Sandhedrin
The next time a non jew saves you make sure you bring up these brilliant points.
This man was a hero and I get choked up looking at his picture. The Druze cop(s) who have died protecting life (Jewish and non-Jewish) were also heroes.
I am awed at their courage and dedication. Israel is blessed to have had them in their midst.
Their neshamas should have aliyot – whatever their religion – and we should merit to live better lives, remembering theirs (and so many others’) sacrifices.
He was a hero no matter what. But as to the definition, חסידי אוה”ע, please see Remoh O.C 156, it might seems so too.