Meshari’s mother, who was in tears throughout the interview with Arab News, said that she had been an active volunteer during the most recent Haj.
“The last moments of one’s life has to be unique, and we are the ones who choose to make them unique by making them meaningful,” she said.
Meshari’s mother said that when her husband showed her the death certificate, she replied: “We consider this a certificate indicating his gradation from a life experience with honor.”
With honor mixed with deep sorrow the mother and Meshari’s family received the condolences from representatives Consul General Duffy.
“His (Meshari) life inspired and will continue to inspire young Saudis and young Americans to look beyond their differences and work together for a brighter, better future.”
The consul said the visit is paid “on behalf of the U.S, government to express deepest condolences for the loss of son, brother, nephew and grandson.”
The mother answered back that some individuals criticized Meshari’s action for putting his life in front of the life of non-Muslims.
“The teachings of Islam's call on all of us to help others regardless of their faiths," she said through her tears.
The family expressed unhappiness toward the silence of Saudi officials regarding her son’s brave efforts, which is, in the words of the father, "crucial in providing a better image about Islam and Saudi Arabia in particular.”
The family said they had raised their son on principles of openness, which helped him build an intimate friendship with the family for whom he in the end sacrificed his life.
Al-Siraihi, born in 1990, was studying electronic engineering in the University of Akron. His body arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport and was barred in Jeddah.
