James Foley’s death was unimaginable. He was a journalist held hostage by ISIS for two years in Syria and killed in 2014 as a threat to America. Footage of him wearing an orange jumpsuit, and forcibly reading a message before being beheaded was posted to Twitter. The media coverage of the event had the second most recognition in recent American history after 9/11. That was 10 years ago now. 

His mother Diane Foley’s determination to understand her son’s fate led her to meeting with one of the men responsible.

This episode is about the profound impact of James’ life, he saw light in everything and everyone. His mother has been through the complexities of grace and empathy in the face of an unthinkable loss.

American Mother by Colum McCan with Diane Foley is available here. 

Watch the documentary Jim: The James Foley Story on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. 

You can donate to the James Foley Legacy Foundation here.

THE END BITS:

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CREDITS:

Host: Mia Freedman

You can find Mia on Instagram here and get her newsletter here.

Producers: Gia Moylan & Kimberley Braddish 

Audio Producer: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.