Leave aside, then, that Faiz probably is either by nature utterly apolitical or even Islamist in political leaning. He clearly reacted against, by all published accounts (and we should take into account potential exaggerations etc) relying on eye-witnesses, signs of a repeat of the 2003 bombings. At risk of his own life, and even risking that of his clients, and even more so his family’s livelihood. All accounts indicate he reacted due to the strange and threatening behaviour of Raydi and his companion, accounts seeming unanimous on this account, locking them in the Café and calling the police.

Given the Moroccan authorities report – and there seems no reason to doubt the general figure – finding afterwards 350 kg of explosives in a bomb factory in an apartment associated with the would-be bombers, Faiz spared Morocco a repeat of the 2003 bombings, and who knows how many Moroccan and foreigners lives.

Anon suggested that a Mohammed Faiz Fund be established. I think the suggestion not only useful but appropriate. Faiz, his family, and several of his clients suffered severe losses, and some are maimed for life. Certainly, one has to admit that in Iraq worse passes every day, but Iraq is a civil war which not even the full resources of the world’s greatest power can stabilize. However, in the case of Faiz, rather human efforts, individual efforts may be able to compensate him, his family and the victims, and further indicate that to some extent the outside world cares, beyond oil and national interest.

I would suggest, in this small way, a real difference could be made.

My preliminary proposal then is the following:

1. A fund be established on a non-partisan basis and without any point of view on Islam, political movements or other issues, other than in support of compensating the principal, Mohammed Faiz and his act against the blind violence of terror bombings.
2. A subsidiary role of the Fund, by clearly established standards, might aim to compensate the other victims of the violence of 11 March 2007 in terms of medical and related expenses related to direct losses.
3. A final potential proposition would be, if sufficient funds were donated and in excess of reasonable requirements to cover points one and two, to support new entrepreneurial developments by the victims of 11 March 2007.
4. The Fund should be managed by a cost effective international and local trustee, and be capable of accepting at minimum international donations, as well as ideally local donations on an equal basis if possible.
5. Said Fund should be self terminating with an aim to disburse all aide in a reasonable time frame and with the sole objective of collecting and disbursing non-denominational and non-political donations with the expectation of all donations contributing to the goals cited supra.
6. Donations should be anonymous.
7. All sums donated should be placed in a secure, transparent account and any excess after meeting the defined criteria, if any, donated to a defined and reputable international charity such as the Red Cross / Red Crescent for domestic Moroccan application.

Thoughts, feed back and the like are welcome. I would intend that Aqoul be a clearing house for organising a proper legal vehicle, however Aqoul should not be the driver.

For those who are interested, you may email us. Further interest should be directed to our account, and to the extent drawing outside interest is useful, feel free.

The Lounsbury