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Suicide Bomber "Believed in Peace"
It is not known how the friendship between Sharif and his accomplice, Asif Hanif, blossomed. It is said that they met in Syria in 2000 or 2001 but it is possible that they met before then, as both lived in Hounslow. Hanif was brought up in Hounslow and attended Cranford Community College until 2000, when he was 18. He was just 21 when he set off for his suicide mission. Described as a "well-liked and respected pupil", he had studied business studies before leaving for the University of Damascus. Hanif had been well-known at the 2,000-member Hounslow Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre, in Wellington Road South. The mosque is opposite the house where Sharif and his wife, Tahira, are believed to have lived for a few months in 1999 and 2000. It is likely that Sharif worshipped there. One member, Mazher Khawaja (65), said: "Asif was gentle, like a lamb. He was a member of the Sufi group who believed in peace." He had been under the impression that Hanif had been unable to get a place at Damascus University. Before his fatal trip to Israel, Hanif was living in Lela Avenue with his family, who still live there. His brother, Tassadiq, said: "Anyone would tell you he was just a big teddy bear."Asif Hanif is the British suicide bomber of Mikeâs Place in Israel on April 30, 2003, he killed a waitress and two musicians. He injured 65 others. Posted by: TS(vice girl) 2004-06-22 |
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