As a favourite author of mine has written, what we do with - and to - our children is a worryingly accurate indication of what we think about ourselves, the world, and God. More than enough column inches have appeared on this week's riots and the reasons that caused them, so I won't add to them. What is worth saying though is that sympathy and admiration are deserved in equal measure for Mr Tariq Jahan of Birmingham. His 21 year old son Haroon was one of three Asian men killed when they were run down deliberately by a car at the height of the rioting. Mr Jahan was nearby at the time and attempted unsuccessfully to save Haroon's life with CPR. Shortly afterwards he spoke to the media with remarkable composure and dignity. The killings were senseless, he said, but they were not racial and he did not want reprisals for the murders. He went on to speak touchingly of his son and it was clear that he thought the world of him. Haroon had been simply trying to defend his community and now a young life had been cut short for no reason. Mr Jahan deserves time to grieve privately for Haroon and if anything has helped to quieten feelings and encourage a return to normality it is his astonishing poise and wisdom.
Once again I find myself writing about grace under pressure. Mr Jahan is a wonderful example of it, and I hope he will be listened to far and wide.
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