He was executed by IS, but his legacy will be these words of tolerance and hope.

“Hate is not for humans… That’s what I learned from my Arabic brothers and sisters.”

Journalist Kenji Goto was executed by Islamic State (ISIS) militants just days ago. Now a Tweet he sent before he was killed is being shared madly as a message of hope.

Kenji Goto, 47, was a foreign correspondent who reported from conflict zones in Syria and Iraq. He posted stories on refugees and children of war to a YouTube channel that quickly gained traction, and through a series of tweets to his dedicated followers. All accounts show he was a passionate journalist committed to telling the truth of the atrocities and human rights abuses occurring in the region.

But over the weekend, Goto’s stories were silenced for ever.

He was beheaded by ISIS extremists after a months-long hostage ordeal, and the murder filmed in a video now circulating on social media.

The video comes less than a week after the apparent beheading of another Japanese man, Haruna Yukawa. Mr Goto reportedly went to Syria in October to try to secure Mr Yukawa’s release, but was also captured soon after.

ISIS has released another video threatening to kill 2 hostages.

Now, days after his alleged execution, a four-year-old tweet by Kenji sent well before his execution is going viral again for a very important reason.  It sums up the strength of character, undying faith and kind heart of the freelance journalist.

Loosely translated, the tweet from the 7th of September 2010 reads,

“Closing my eyes and holding still. It’s the end if I get mad or scream. It’s close to a prayer. Hate is not for humans. Judgment lies with God. That’s what I learned from my Arabic brothers and sisters.”

The poignant message has already been retweeted nearly 20,0000 times to honour Kenji’s memory.

The photos of these “ISIS babies” are devastating.

Mr Goto’s mother Junko Ishido said she was speechless at his death, claiming Kenji had gone to Syria out of “kindness and courage”.

“Kenji has died, and my heart is broken. Facing such a tragic death, I’m just speechless,” she told reporters.

While the ISIS propaganda videos have not yet been authenticated, Japanese officials and a close friend of Kenji have confirmed they believe it to be genuine.

Over the last few days hundreds of Japanese have gathered at silent rallies around the country to mourn Kenji’s death. Signs held up include the message, “Kenji, You will be alive in our memories”.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to “never forgive terrorists” for what they have done to one of their own.

Chilling new footage shows ISIS fighters selling girls at a market.

“I feel indignation over this immoral and heinous act of terrorism,” told reporters after convening an emergency Cabinet meeting.

“When I think of the grief of his family, I am left speechless,” he said. “We are filled with deep regret.”

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott also condemned the beheading. He said, “if true, this will be a terrible shock for the people of Japan, an unspeakable horror for the family and this just demonstrates how important it is that all countries do what they reasonably can to disrupt and degrade this death cult which has ushered in a new dark age over parts of the Middle East”.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.