[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/28/art_ypwr_howcast2.jpg
caption=”Luqman ‘Luke’ Jubair, 22, seen here attending The Alliance of Youth Movements Summit in New York.”]
Luqman “Luke” Jubair is one of the bravest people I’ve ever met. I actually didn’t know what to expect when I first met this 22-year-old Iraqi man. He grew up in a well-off, well-educated Sunni family of doctors in Hit, about three hours outside of Baghdad, only to have his life turned upside down by war. He had always dreamed of being a doctor. At the height of sectarian violence in 2004, he endured daily threats of kidnapping and assassination going to medical school at the College of Medicine at Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, in a predominately Shiite area.
Because of what he went through and the violence he saw around him every day, I thought Luke would be bitter or vengeful, but he is nothing of the sort. In 2005, he became a surgery assistant at a hospital in his hometown. Then, during the height of violence in the Anbar Province, he moved to the Al-Ramadi Hospital where the needs were greater. Even though he was helping his people, he still hid his identity from local gangs and militias in the so-called “Red Zone,” where he lives and works.
He tells me calmly and with a smile in his eye, the next year he teamed up with other young doctors and professionals – Sunni, Shiite and Christian – who were dealing with similar fears and encountering Iraqis with limited basic supplies or services. They started a group called, Iraqis Rebuilding Our Country, or IROC. The group reaches out to locals to help them help themselves primarily with language, health and computer education. On top of his service work with IROC, he also now works at the Al-Kadhimia hospital in Baghdad, where he says he still fears for his life.
Update: Watch the CNN.com Live interview
Young People Who Rock 
coooooooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!dude
I’m at a loss for words….what an amazing person.
Greate work man! Keep it up.
awesome!! dude it is cooool
u r great man..
am honoured 2b1 of ur friends..
u will make a difference in this world!! u will..
that is so cool! if i was you id be so… afraid, but youre clearly not, thanks.
Luke what you are doing is the greatest of gifts to the people who suffer the most. Always stick with your values, and you compassion, and the Lord will bless you mightly.
You are awesome, Luke. Thank you for being such a caring and courageous person. May God protect you.
Never give up brother, for the lord is your strength and your shield and remember that he that called you watches over you, and also remember that nothing you ever do for the lords sake is ever in vain. Eternal reward is awaiting you. OCCUPY TILL I COME (Says the Lord of host)
God Bless you for all you’re doing. We need more leaders like you that can rise up and change their communities. I wish you all the best!
You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life! I am so honored to have met you and hear your story. You take good care of yourself and stay safe…. I hope one day we can continue our converesation. Take care and hugs to you.