Mohammed's uncle urges students to still visit town
The family of Mohammed Al-Majed have urged foreign students not to stop visiting Hastings after being overwhelmed by the reaction of local people.
In the immediate aftermath of the 16-year-old's tragic death one uncle criticised the town and said the English language student had already been fearful of attack prior to his death.
Ghazi Abdullah Al-Majed, the uncle, then said he would be telling other Arab families not to send their children to Hastings.
However, following their visit to Hastings on Monday during which a delegation of Mohammed's family visited the site of his death, a second uncle has spoken out in support of the town.
Abdul Karim Mohsin spoke to The Observer after meeting with representatives from Sussex Police and local politicians at the Town Hall.
In an emotional interview Mohammed's uncle, who himself studied in England, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the sympathy, warmth and support we have received from the community here in Hastings.
"Really, I was amazed. I did not expect Hastings' feelings to be so high. The impression given initially about Hastings was that such problems (racism) still existed here.
"But I don't believe British society is full of hatred. For many generations, and centuries, many ethnic groups regardless of race and colour have lived here in harmony.
"I wouldn't advice people to stay away from Hastings. I believe apart from educational we have a history of a political relationship and a lot of our people are living here in peace and a lot of Britain's live in the Middle East.
"Definitely, without doubt or hesitation I would say foreign students should still visit Hastings."
The uncle then paid tribute to Mohammed, describing him as "so sweet, so tender, so peaceful".
He then offered a heartfelt message. He said: "On behalf of the Al Majed family, and indeed of behalf of all our countrymen, we would like to thank the people of Hastings.
"We would also thank the police for their investigations, the MP of this area, the mayor and all the people who have helped us, supported us and stood by us.
"You can be sure this family will remember Hastings."
When asked about his nephew's killers, the uncle said only: "We have every faith in the political and legal institutions of this country and we believe those who committed this crime will be brought to justice sooner rather than later.
"I have spoken to his mother and her wish is for justice. Nothing else.
"We only hope and pray that when we bury Mohammed we bury with him all the hatred.
"We pray to God this does not happen again."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hastings
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
