A British soldier who lost his leg in Iraq has posted a powerful message to people “expecting racism” from him just because he “got blown up”.
Chris Herbert was just 19 when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in Basra, Iraq which killed his friend, injured another and left him facing the prospect of living the rest of his life without his right leg.
In the weeks after the Paris atrocities, the former serviceman said he has been troubled by the number of people who have expected him to be Islamophobic just because a “Muslim man blew me up”.
In a powerful Facebook message, which has been shared tens of thousands of times, Herbert goes on to list the Muslims who have helped him – including the Muslim surgeon who performed the surgery that saved his life.
The former soldier has listed the amazing things Muslims have done for him. Credit: Chris Herbert
Herbert, who lives in Portsmouth, also speaks about the “white Brits” who have done unpleasant things to him in his life.
“If you want to hate an entire race of men and women for the actions of a few d***heads feel free, but don’t push your views on me, thinking I am an easy target because one d******** decided it was my day to die,” he wrote.
“Blaming all Muslims for the actions of groups like Daeshe and the Taliban, is like blaming all Christians for the actions of the KKK or Westboro Baptist Church.
“Get a grip of your lives, hug your family and get back to work.”
Herbert lost his leg during service in Iraq. Credit: Chris Herbert
His message – just a day after Donald Trump sparked outrage when he called for all Muslims to be banned from entering the US – has won praise across social media.
“You’re a wonderful person you are,” Heather Hills said.
Calum John said: “One of the best things I’ve ever read on Facebook this!”
“Amazing words,” Richard Egan wrote.
Chris Herbert has won praise for his emotional Facebook post. Credit: Chris Herbert
ITV News has approached Chris Herbert for further comment but in the meantime, here’s his Facebook post in full:
Getting frustrated by some people expecting racism from me, because I got blown up.
Here it is:
Yes. A Muslim man blew me up, and I lost my leg.
A Muslim man also lost his arm that day wearing a British Uniform.
A Muslim medic was in the helicopter that took me from the field.
A Muslim surgeon performed the surgery that saved my life.
A Muslim Nurse was part of the team that helped me when I returned to the UK.
A Muslim Healthcare Assistant was part of the team that sorted out my day to day needs in rehabilitation when I was learning to walk.
A Muslim taxi driver gave me a free ride the first time I went for a beer with my Dad after I came home.
A Muslim doctor offered my Dad comfort and advice in a pub, when he didn’t know how to deal with my medicines and side effects.
Contrary to that:
A white Brit spat in my girlfriend’s face for ‘f****** a cripple when you could have me [him]’
A White Brit pushed my wheelchair away from a lift so he could use it first.
A White Brit screamed at my Dad for parking in a disabled bay when I was in the services coming home.
(Although, alot of people helped in my recovery! I dont hate white brits either! hahaha)
Point is, f*** off. I know who I dislike, and I know who I don’t. I know who I appreciate, and I know who I don’t.
If you want to hate an entire race of men and women for the actions of a few d***heads feel free, but don’t push your views on me, thinking I am an easy target because one d******** decided it was my day to die.
Blaming all Muslims for the actions of groups like Daeshe and the Taliban, is like blaming all Christians for the actions of the KKK or Westboro Baptist Church. Get a grip of your lives, hug your family and get back to work.
Ceribalius is a pseudonym used by one of our writers, he/she is a digtial nomad and dedicated fighter of freedom and liberty. If there is something that needs saying which no one else is, he/she is the one to do it.
If you haven’t read this book already, you should do it rightAmazon now. Tim Ferris is a podcaster, author, entrepreneur and early-stage tech startup investor.
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