A friend of Andrew Pochter, the Chevy Chase college student killed Friday during anti-government protests in Egypt, said the 21-year-old was trying to “change misconceptions” and “raise awareness” about the Middle East.
Pochter, a rising junior at Kenyon College in Ohio, was watching the protests in Alexandria when he was stabbed by a protester, according to a statement from his family.
He was in Alexandria for the summer to teach English to 7- and 8-year-old Egyptians as part of AMIDEAST, a D.C.-based nonprofit that provides teachers and other programs in Arab countries.
Qusay Al-Satary, a friend, said Pochter wanted to break barriers between different cultures and was particularly interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
Humanity lost a very precious and exceptional person, Andrew Pochter.
Andrew was a dear brother, companion, and a best friend. He was killed yesterday during protests in Alexandria, Egypt. This summer Andrew moved to Egypt as intern forAMIDEAST and was teaching English for young Egyptian kids. Andrew is a well-rounded, courages, selfless, passionate and determinant person. He was a committed activist for justice, freedom, and equality.
Andrew dedicated his energy and time to change misconceptions/raise awareness about the Middle East and about the “Palestinian Israeli conflict”. He deeply believed in breaking barriers between different cultures, religions and communities. Andrew, you are one of the most distinguished, genuine and inspiring person I ever met.
My brother, you left a legacy that will live within our hearts and memories forever. We are all going to continue to fight and work for what you believed in.
Thank you for all the times, conversations and memories. You will be greatly missed my brother.
May your great soul rest in peace.
Pocther went to Bethesda-Chevy Chase High school during his freshman year, then transferred to a boarding school near Charlottesville, Va. before graduating in 2010, according to The Washington Post.
“He went to Egypt because he cared profoundly about the Middle East, and he planned to live and work there in the pursuit of peace and understanding.” reads a family statement on a Facebook page created to remember Pocther. “Andrew was a wonderful young man looking for new experiences in the world and finding ways to share his talents while he learned. Andrew cared deeply about his family and his friends.”
Photo via Facebook
