Madam Speaker, it was a viral photo that touched so many hearts. A selfie of a mother and daughter in their airplane seats sent to the family they were on their way to see. Unfortunately, Sahar and Elsa would never make it home. Their flight out of Tehran was shot down shortly after takeoff.
I asked Habib to reflect on their loss. His daughter, Sahar, had a kind and loving heart. She dedicated much of her time spreading positive energy and helping those in the community who needed a hand. His eight-year-old granddaughter, Elsa, was a carbon copy of her mother. She was an old soul and a natural leader who sought to protect the weak and make new students feel welcome, a future politician, her family thought.
Sahar and Elsa did finally make it home. They were laid to rest on Sunday. We grieve with their family, and all the lives they touched. Sahar and Elsa will be deeply missed.