Slain Egyptian Man Embodied Tolerance

I am shocked and sickened to learn of the killing of Adel Karas, the Egypian-born shopkeeper recently gunned down in San Gabriel, in a possible hate crime. I learned about Karas’ death from “Slain Egyptian Was a Fixture in San Gabriel” (Sept. 19), and I am still in a state of disbelief.

Up until about six months ago, I was a frequent visitor to Karas’ shop. I worked as a van driver and the International Market was one of over 30 stops I made daily. It was, without a doubt, my favorite, as Adel would always greet me with a warm welcome and a joke. He’d often offer me Arabic coffee or a cold drink, and many times we’d share bits of our lives over a cigarette outside. Sometimes we’d talk about the world and the Middle East. His compassion for all people was evident.

The Times is entirely correct when it calls Karas “the embodiment of tolerance.” He literally gave me something to look forward to each day, even if it was only a smile and a laugh. He was a gentleman in the purest sense and will be sorely missed.

Chris Tharp

Los Angeles