Hundreds of young protestors and activists gathered in Yemen Tuesday, hoping to draw attention to the recent killing of an American teacher who had devoted much of his time to helping poor people in the country.

Joel Shrum, 29, was shot dead in the city of Taiz Sunday by terrorists from an al Qaeda-linked group who claimed he was "proselytizing."

Shrum moved to the Muslim nation with his wife and two young sons to teach English and help with vocational training in some of Yemen's poor areas.

The International Training Development Centre, which Shrum worked for, said he was always professional and "respected" the Muslims he encountered on a daily basis.

"Joel served the city of Taiz and was a good friend who came from the United States," activist Radwan al-Qadri said at the rally.

"[He] was a lovable person who respected humanity and was himself respected," he added.

The protestors honored Shrum's work, holding photos of him and chanting "Yemen is not a place for terrorism. We love you Joel!"

A colleague of Shrum's said the slain teacher not only helped Yemenis learn English, but would often buy students books with his own money.

Sunday, two assailants on a motorcycle pulled up to Shrum's car and opened fire. He was on his way to work at the time.

Shortly after the attack, a message from the Islamist group Ansar al-Sharia claimed responsibility, calling Shrum "a senior missionary" killed by "holy warriors."