This Victim of a Hate Crime Recovered—Then Fought to Save the Life of His Attacker

Ten days after 9/11, Rais Bhuiyan was the victim of a horrific hate crime. He was shot in the face at point blank range by white supremacist Mark Stroman. Bhuiyan barely survived and ended up losing vision in one eye. Stroman, who had killed two other South Asian men, was sentenced to death. But here's the incredible thing—Bhuiyan not only forgave Stroman, but started a campaign to remove Stroman from death row. His effort was unsuccessful, but started Bhuiyan’s path as a human rights activist for peace, forgiveness, empathy and understanding. Bhuiyan’s capacity to feel and act on true human compassion is beyond inspiring.