The vibrant life of Kareem Badawi, an 18-year-old University of Alabama student, was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Orleans. Hundreds gathered at a maqbara near his Baton Rouge home to mourn the young man, whose promise and potential were extinguished in a terrorist attack that also claimed the lives of 12 others. The somber funeral service was attended by grieving family, friends, classmates, and fraternity brothers, all bearing witness to the devastating loss of a life brimming with enthusiasm and kindness. The outpouring of grief underscored the profound impact Kareem had made on those who knew him.
Kareem’s father, Belal Badawi, shared heart-wrenching details about his son’s final hours and the devastating news of his death. Kareem, eager to experience the vibrant New Year’s Eve festivities in New Orleans, had traveled with a group of 15 friends to the city known for its lively nightlife. He envisioned a grand celebration, a memorable start to the new year, followed by the excitement of the Sugar Bowl game. Instead, his life was abruptly ended in a horrific act of violence. The last communication between father and son was a simple exchange of “Happy New Year” texts shortly after midnight. Just three hours later, Kareem was killed. The agonizing realization of his son’s fate reached Belal the following morning through news reports, turning the joyous occasion into a nightmare of grief and disbelief.
As the Badawi family grappled with their loss, they sought information about the circumstances of Kareem’s death. They tracked his cellphone to the intersection of Canal and Bourbon streets, the scene of the attack. Details emerged from Kareem’s friends who had been with him that night. After initially returning to their apartment, Kareem and another friend, Parker, decided to venture out again. Tragically, it was during this brief outing that the attack occurred. Parker also sustained injuries in the rampage and remained hospitalized, deeply affected by the loss of his friend. The news of Kareem’s death sent him into a state of distress, further compounding the tragedy.
Imam Emad Nofal, chairman of the Islamic Center Baton Rouge, addressed the mourners at the funeral, condemning the terrorist attack and emphasizing that the perpetrator’s actions did not reflect the values of Islam. He reiterated that the Muslim community were victims in this tragedy, advocating for peace and denouncing violence committed in the name of religion. The sentiment resonated with the grieving community, who sought solace and understanding in the face of such senseless loss. The imam’s words highlighted the importance of distinguishing between the actions of extremists and the peaceful teachings of Islam.
The senseless nature of Kareem’s death was a recurring theme among those who mourned him. His father described him as a young man who “just loved life” and “touched so many people’s lives.” Kareem was a bright student attending the University of Alabama on an engineering scholarship and an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. The presence of his classmates and fraternity brothers, who traveled from Alabama to attend the funeral, testified to the deep connections he had forged. They remembered him for his kindness, his vibrant personality, and his genuine love for people. The outpouring of support from the university community demonstrated the profound impact Kareem had made during his time there.
Belal Badawi expressed his anguish over the loss of his son, lamenting that a life filled with so much promise was cut short by an act of hate. He questioned the motive behind the attack, emphasizing the innocence of the victims who were simply celebrating the new year. The senseless violence left him and countless others searching for answers and grappling with the pain of losing a loved one in such a horrific manner. Family friends echoed Belal’s sentiments, struggling to comprehend the tragedy and expressing their shock and disbelief. Kamal Alabasha, a close friend of the family, described the perpetrator as “evil,” emphasizing the inhumanity of the act that claimed Kareem’s life. The community rallied around the Badawi family, offering support and sharing in their grief.
