A Pakistani Muslim today told how he was plucked to safety by a Hassidic Jew ahead of an avalanche of shrapnel after the World Trade Center attack.
The story of Usman Farman, a 21-year-old banker, counterbalances the wave of anti-Muslim anger sweeping America. Mr Farman said: “I was on my back, facing this massive cloud that was approaching.
“I wear a pendant around my neck, inscribed with an Arabic prayer for safety. A Hassidic Jewish man came up to me and held the pendant in his hand. He read out the Arabic. What he said next, I will never forget.
“With a deep Brooklyn accent he said, ‘Brother, ... there is a cloud of glass coming at us. Grab my hand. Let’s get the hell out of here.’ He helped me stand and we ran.” Mr Farman finally stopped about 20 blocks away.
“He was the last person I would have thought would help me.”