Jassim Al Balochi laid to rest

Ras Al Khaimah - 27-year-old Jassim Eissa Mohammed Hassan Al Balochi sacrificed his life while putting out the blaze that erupted in the Emirates Airlines flight

Led by Shaikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, crowd of people flocked to the Khiran area to bid farewell to the UAE martyr firefighter who died saving flight EK521 passengers.
27-year-old Jassim Eissa Mohammed Hassan Al Balochi sacrificed his life while putting out the blaze that erupted in the Emirates Airlines flight coming from India to the UAE at the Dubai International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. 
Nationals and residents, relatives and neighbours, were keen to offer the funeral prayers on the martyr Balochi at the Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Mosque in Al Khiran area early after the Fajr or Dawn prayer.
People from other emirates also insisted to offer the funeral prayers on the martyr and bid him farewell at the Salehia Cemetery in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah which was entirely blanked with grief and sorrow for losing this noble hero.
However, everybody was happy about and proud of the bravery, heroism and commitment of the martyr, who was a staff firefighter with the Dubai Civil defence directorate general.
"Jassim's unique sacrifice, which was familiar to him all his five-year career with the Dubai International Airport Unit, is not only an honour to us all, but shall always be remembered and deeply engraved in our hearts," they all agreed.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, the distraught father said he missed him so much. "I can't believe I will not be able to see my eldest, kindest, bravest, and most obedient son again."
What might be a relief for him was that his "beloved" son died while doing his national duty, he added. "He has set us live and dead an exceptional example for sacrifice, nobility and courage."  
Everybody shall remember his sacrifice and dedication, the distressed father affirmed. "We should all sacrifice our soul and blood for the safety, security and stability of our nation."
Mohammed Ibrahim, uncle of the martyr, told Khaleej Times that Jassim was a long professional rescuer. "He had a long experience in providing ambulance and rescue services before joining the civil defence department, Dubai Airport branch, five years back."
"Jassim, who was still a bachelor, was widely known in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as Jassim Al Khair 'Charitable Jassim' owing to his relentless philanthropic effort and voluntary work."
He was so kind and helpful to anyone in need for support, he added. "He was so keen to help the old people and all vulnerable members of the society in collaboration with the local charity societies and voluntary teams."
Indicating, he said the support they received from the UAE leaders, officials, nationals, residents, relatives, and neighbours have quite comforted them. "Such quick response and support has decreased the impact of the tragic loss of the martyr."
Despite his competence and expertise, Jassim was so keen on joining training numerous courses to hone his skills, the uncle pointed out. "He used to believe that he was a man in a mission and had to be a source of happiness to everyone around."
Feeling proud of his elder brother, Salman Eissa Al Balochi said his "dear" brother has sacrificed his life to give life to others. "Saving the life of a single person is as saving the life of the entire humanity as stipulated in the holy Quran."
This is actually what Jassim did, he said. "He was like a candle that got burnt to light up for others," he said, supplicating Almighty Allah to rest his soul in eternal peace.
Hareb Al Balochi, the younger brother of the martyr, said his brother was a true hero. "He sacrificed his life to put out the plane ablaze and rescue the life of the passengers."
He bravely fought the inferno to give life to all humanity. "His sacrifice has breathed life in the nation, and everybody is proud of and happy about his unique commitment."
It is a big loss, Hareb said in tears. "I did not only lose an elder brother, but a loving and caring friend was widely known for his white hands, kind heart, and charitable activities."  
Hassan Abdul Rahman, a friend of the martyr said Jassim was a close fellow of him. "He was an active, determined and responsive member in the Saned voluntary team of the UAE Youth Foundation."
"Jassim Al Khair" last met him when they were in Sharjah for help to put out a fire that erupted in a skyscraper there. "He devotedly gave all his time and effort to help others, fight fire, and rescue lives."
Ismael Al Balochi, cousin of the martyr, told Khaleej times that Jassim was not a true friend of him not only a close relative. "His exceptional sacrifice and heroism is familiar to him."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah