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James Foley's final letter from hostage cell is released

The family of journalist James Foley, who was beheaded by Islamic State (IS) militants, have rele...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.07 25 Aug 2014


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James Foley's final le...

James Foley's final letter from hostage cell is released

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.07 25 Aug 2014


Share this article


The family of journalist James Foley, who was beheaded by Islamic State (IS) militants, have released the final letter he sent them from his hostage cell.

He writes that dreaming of his family and friends "takes me away and happiness fills my heart". The letter continues "I know you are thinking of me and praying for me. And I am so thankful.

"I feel you all especially when I pray. I pray for you to stay strong and to believe. I really feel I can touch you even in this darkness when I pray."

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Video emerged last week of an IS fighter, who spoke with a British accent, killing Mr Foley.

Mr Foley (40), who was captured in Syria in November 2012, wrote numerous letters during his captivity, but all of these were confiscated by his captors.

So Mr Foley asked another hostage, who was due to be released, to commit a letter to memory. This was later dictated to Mr Foley's mother Diane.

The full text has been posted on the Find James Foley Facebook page, which was set up by his friends and family. Mr Foley describes the conditions he is being held in, revealing he was held in a cell along with 18 others.

They passed the time talking about films, sport and trivia, and managed to find ways of playing chess, checkers and Risk.

"I have had weak and strong days," he admits.

"We are so grateful when anyone is freed; but of course, yearn for our own freedom. We try to encourage each other and share strength."

The letter, which includes messages for different family members, ends with Mr Foley addressing his grandmother.

"Grammy, please take your medicine, take walks and keep dancing. I plan to take you out to Margarita's when I get home," he says.

"Stay strong because I am going to need your help to reclaim my life."

Hours before the letter was released, a memorial service was held for Mr Foley in Rochester, New Hampshire.

Roman Catholic Bishop Peter Libasci said he was living his faith by bringing images to the world of people suffering because of war and oppressive regimes.

People stood three deep at the back of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary church and along both sides of it. The bishop frequently addressed Mr Foley's parents and stressed their son's connection to family.

"Jim went back again so that we might open our eyes," Bishop Libasci said.

"That we might indeed know how precious is this gift. May almighty God grant peace to James and to all our fragile world."

Bishop Libasci said after the service that people should not think of vengeance and read a letter from the Vatican extending the condolences of Pope Francis.

"Look at what it's done already," he said. "Look at the heartbreak. Thank you for loving Jim," Diane Foley told the crowd afterwards."

A funeral for Mr Foley will be held on October 18th, what would have been his 41st birthday.


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