Daniel Pearl’s parents: Muhammad Ali did not hesitate to plead for his life

The parents of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl say Muhammad Ali made an immediate personal appeal for their son’s life following his 2002 capture by Islamist extremists in Pakistan.

“Ali did not hesitate a minute and issued a plea that only Satan could resist; it was published next day in Pakistan,” says Pearl’s mother, Ruth. “Ali further called me by phone and insisted on being invited to the party once Danny was released.”

“I appeal to you to show Daniel Pearl compassion and kindness,” Ali implored Pearl’s abductors, who would behead the Jewish journalist in Pakistan after nine days of captivity, although his fate would not be known for another three weeks.

“Treat him as you would wish all Muslims to be treated by others,” entreated Ali, who died Friday at 74. “Daniel should not become another victim of the ongoing conflict. It is my most sincere prayer that Daniel Pearl be permitted to return safely to his family. May Allah have mercy on us all.”

Pearl’s parents, Judea and Ruth, also asked Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, to intercede with the abductors.

“Farrakhan said, day after day, that he wasn’t ready and when he was finally ready it was too late,” says Daniel’s father, Judea.

Instead of the anticipated celebration to mark the journalist’s hoped-for return, Ali and his wife were invited to attend the private memorial service on March 10, 2002, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

— JTA