Victim of terrorism remembered

LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A young victim of terrorism overseas is being remembered here in western New York.

Hannah Ali, Susan's friend said, "I guess no one knows where life will lead them but all we can do is learn from this."

Hannah Ali wiped away tears as she spoke about her friend.

This morning, grieving students from Lackawanna High sat shoulder-to-shoulder, remembering the short, but full life of Susan Elbaneh.

"I know the best thing we can do is pray for her she's in peace and I ask all remember her in prayer this Holy month," said Hannah Ali.

Tragedy struck Wednesday when the 18 year old and her husband of three weeks died in a horrific terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen.

Lackawanna School leaders described the senior as a smart student with a contagious smile.

Dr. Frederick Wille, Acting Superintendent said, "Susan was such a wonderful young woman with an entire life ahead of her a great student."

Susan comes from a large family, many of them mourning in private. Her older brother did come to the school, but let other relatives do the talking.

"She was a beautiful fun fill woman loved by many, the best years of my life were with her in and out of school," said Ali.

Local Muslim Leader Dr. Khalid Qazi called for a moment of silence. It was deafening.

School principal Peter Hazzan said, "Because we are such a diverse community and we understand the cultures of everyone. Having said that I think what you saw was respect our students showed for Susan's family."

Family members said Susan's plan was to return to western New York with her husband who was in the medical field. She then wanted to graduate from Lackawanna and become a nurse.

An Arabic greeting came with a message of peace, a plea to students to unite to keep Susan's memory alive by making the world a better place. Family members tell me that Susan will be buried in Yemen.

Her mother is still over there. She actually gave her daughter away during the wedding a few weeks ago.

Story by Lorey Schultz, WIVB