Perth, Scotland – A decade after the brutal murder of Scottish aid worker David Haines by extremists in Syria, his daughter Bethany Haines led a touching memorial in Perth, reflecting on her father’s life and the indelible legacy of the man she described as loving and dedicated to family.
Bethany, who has become an active voice in remembering victims of terrorism, organized the service not only to honor her father but to acknowledge all hostages who suffered similar fates. The memorial aimed to recast her father’s image from the grim depictions circulated during the height of Islamic State’s terror, back to the generous and spirited man she knew and loved.
David Haines was abducted in Syria in March 2013 while on a mission to deliver aid amidst the conflict. His subsequent execution by a militant cell known for their British accents, mockingly referred to as “The Beatles,” was a stark symbol of the crisis in Syria. The harrowing footage of his murder shocked the world, yet his body has never been recovered.
During the memorial service, which gathered friends, family, and supporters at Perth Congregational Church, Bethany shared personal reflections on the painful journey since her father’s death. She highlighted her effort to channel grief into advocacy and support for others who have experienced similar losses.
Bethany drew inspiration from resilient individuals she met during a visit to Syria in 2019. One poignant story was of a sibling duo who transformed their bombed-out living room into a community library and hub, symbolizing hope and renewal amidst devastation. These stories, she noted, aligned with her father’s ethos and helped her reimagine a path forward filled with purpose and joy.
Discussing her father’s character, Bethany emphasized that David Haines was fundamentally a family man, who would have relished the role of a grandfather. She portrayed him as a pillar of strength and kindness, whose interests transcended beyond the immediate needs to encompass a broader affection and care for well-being of others.
The service also served as a somber remembrance for other hostages who lost their lives in similar circumstances, including aid workers Alan Henning, Kayla Mueller, Peter Kassig, and journalists James Foley, Steven Sotloff, and John Cantlie. A poignant slideshow featuring images of these individuals underscored the shared grief and solidarity among the families and communities affected.
Minister Gordon Campbell, who officiated the service, highlighted the communal spirit of remembrance. He relayed accounts from former hostages who shared captivity with Haines, describing him as a mediator who was spirited in lifting others during those dire conditions.
Further emphasizing the global dimension of the tragedy, Campbell noted the justice being served, with two members of “The Beatles” cell, El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey, now serving life sentences in the United States. A third operative, known as Jihadi John, was killed in a drone strike in 2015.
In her remarks, Bethany expressed gratitude towards the international community, including the U.S. government and the non-profit Hostage International, for their ongoing support. She stressed that her father’s death, while heartbreakingly violent, was a consequence of the actions of malicious individuals, not a reflection on broader religious or cultural groups.
As the service concluded, the message was clear: David Haines’ legacy is defined not by the circumstances of his death, but by the vibrant life he led, the people he cherished, and the humanitarian spirit that guided his actions, principles that continue to inspire his family and community a decade onward.