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An Algerian has moved the whole of the United Kingdom with his exceptional courage. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) employee Samir Zitouni risked his life to save several passengers during a knife attack on a night train from Doncaster to London last Saturday.
According to testimonies and the British railway police, Samir Zitouni courageously interposed between the assailant and several travelersnotably preventing a young woman from being fatally injured. Seriously injured in the head and neck, he was hospitalized in critical condition, but his life is no longer in danger. Authorities confirmed that his actions “undoubtedly prevented carnage “.
Born in Algeria before emigrating to the United Kingdom several years ago, Samir Zitouni is described by his colleagues as a “hardworking, discreet and deeply humane” man. Employed for more than twenty years in the railway sector, he embodied, on the evening of the tragedy, the values of solidarity and courage which honor the entire Algerian community abroad.
On social networks, many messages of tribute are pouring in. The British trade unionist Howard Beckett published on X (ex-Twitter):
“Samir Zitouni, born in Algeria, saved multiple lives through his heroism. He placed himself between the attacker and a young girl to protect her. He suffered serious head and neck injuries. »
This publication has been shared thousands of times, with many Internet users hailing the courage of “the Algerian who saved England from a tragedy”.
In Algeria as in the diaspora, the news aroused immense emotion. From London to Algiers, many Algerians express their admiration and pride for Samir Zitouni, symbol of a dignified and united people.
For many, this heroic act represents a resounding response to xenophobic and racist speeches which still persist in certain European political and media spheres. While some work to stigmatize immigrants, Samir Zitouni recalled, through his sacrifice, that courage, loyalty and humanity have no boundaries.
The LNER company praised “a colleague of exceptional courage”, while the British police opened an investigation to shed light on the circumstances of the attack. The British Prime Minister expressed “his deep gratitude” to the employees and passengers who prevented an even more serious tragedy.
In Algeria, several voices are calling for Samir Zitouni to receive a national distinction for his exemplary courage.
Through the heroic gesture of Samir Zitouni, it is all human and moral value of the Algerian diaspora which shines once again. His act reminds us that, far from prejudice, Algerians abroad continue to distinguish themselves through their bravery, their integration and their contribution to the common good.
Samir Zitouni is more than a hero. He is the face of Algerian dignity, that of an ordinary man who has become a universal symbol of courage.