Blog Two Zeitoun: Those that Left, And Those that Were Left Behind

The citizens of New Orleans had no idea what they were in for when news of a hurricane first came in. It was not unusual to have hurricane storm warnings, so few left. As the mayor ordered for an evacuation of the city, it was pure chaos. Everyone packed up his or her belonging for a few days, expecting a swift return. However, as we all know this is not what happened.  Zeitoun was one of the few people to actually stay in the city. At first he stayed because he was concerned with his businesses, and watching over his homes. However, Zeitoun soon had a newfound reason to stay within the city. “In New Orleans was invigorated. He had never felt such urgency and purpose. In his first day in his flooded city. He had already assisted in the rescue of five elderly residence. There was a reason, he now knew, that he had remained in the city. He felt compelled to stay by a power beyond his own reckoning. He was needed” (107). Though Zeitoun was only one person, he made a large impact on many people, and animals, who were stranded in the city. Beyond demonstrating the kind of person Zeitoun was, his actions also took us deeper into what was actually happening in the city. He was especially concerned with the dogs. People had left their animals alone to fend for themselves. However, Zeitoun took it upon himself to share his food, and feed them every day. It seems as if he was a gift from God. The book tells another story about how he rescued an extremely overweight, elderly woman in her seventies who was stranded in her flooded apartment. Yes, many stayed because they had to opportunity to rob, and take advantage of possessions left behind. However, Zeitoun felt a purpose. He felt an obligation to help those who could not help themselves. This selfless, and risky act truly illustrates who Zeitoun was. However, something that struck me most was some of the possessions that people left behind. Zeitoun went through his house and rescued pictures from his childhood to present day. He saved important papers, and memoirs. When I think about everything that people lost, is goes beyond just physical objects. Imagine losing the photos of your childhood, memories that you have built and captured over the years. I can’t imagine leaving my dog behind, or leaving behind a birth certificate. In the madness of everything going on, I think people lost track of the possessions that were most important. It makes me question how seriously people took this warning at the beginning. I don’t know what I would have done, but I highly doubt that there are many who would have stayed in the city, and have committed as admirable and selfless acts to help others like Zeitoun did.