150: Azim Khamisa: Ending Violence Through Forgiveness (Best of NSE)

How do you forgive the man who killed your son? In 1995, Azim Khamisa’s only son Tariq was shot and killed while delivering a pizza. The killer was a 14-year-old gang member named Tony Hicks, and due to a recent change of law in the state of California, Tony was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. But instead of responding with a call for outrage or revenge, Azim did the unthinkable: he forgave his son’s killer, and he fought for his release. “My interpretation of this tragedy was that there are victims at both ends of the gun,” he says. In this episode, he tells the full story of how he uses his experience to help end youth violence, even recruiting his son’s killer to join in the work. It is one of unimaginable grief, staunch faith, and unwavering compassion. Show Notes: Similar episodes Forgiving My Mother’s Murderer: Sharon Risher Burying 250 Friends: Greg Boyle on Community Amidst Gang Violence Resources mentioned this episode TKF’s website Azim’s website Azim’s TED Talk Email Azim: [email protected] PDF of Lee’s Interview Notes Transcription Link JOIN NSE+ Today! Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices