May 24, 2024
Fallen Hero Under the Spotlight: Dr. Majd Kamalmaz
The following is a tribute to Dr. Majd Kamalmaz by SAMS Member Dr Khalid Hamza written on behalf of the Psychosocial Committee. Last week, the US Government informed the family of former SAMS Member Dr. Kamalmaz that it had credible information he had died in captivity following detainment by the Syrian Government in February 2017. We expressed our outrage in this statement.
To those who did not have the privilege of knowing Majd, allow us to paint a portrait of a remarkable soul who graced this world with his presence, he was not merely a victim of injustice; he embodied the resilience, triumph, and indomitable spirit of humanity. Majd was a highly skilled maestro of his craft, a healer, an entrepreneur, a charismatic leader, and above all, a beacon of boundless humanity. In his presence, one couldn’t help but be drawn to his warmth, charisma, and kindness. Majd’s essence was a testament to the power of love and compassion, a force that knew no bounds. He possessed a rare gift for healing and uplifting all who crossed his path. Even in the depths of despair, when one of us was downtrodden and shattered, Majd possessed a remarkable gift for lifting spirits, igniting laughter, and infusing joy into each moment. In the tapestry of life, Majd wove threads of kindness, compassion, mawadah, rahmah, Sakinah, and courage not only in his patients but also in his colleagues and friends.
Though his name may not ring familiar to you, Majd’s influence resonates deeply within the hearts of those he touched. He was a remarkable healer whose mere presence could thaw the coldest of hearts, rusty hearts, broken souls, and a father whose love knew no bounds, and a multifaceted professional – a psychologist, strategist, frontrunner, spectacular therapist, and an elite humanitarian – whose morals, ethics, service, and generosity knew no limits. To many, he was a cherished teacher, a trusted friend, a beloved brother, and a leader in every sense of the word. who guided with kindness, positivity, creativity, and profound wisdom.
We were captivated by Majd’s stories and the pride he took in his children. His dreams for them knew no limits, envisioning a world where their laughter could resonate freely, untouched by the echoes of cruelty. His love extended beyond his own family, embracing refugee children as if they were his own. Majd cared for them with a depth of compassion and empathy that knew no bounds, offering them solace and support in their darkest hours. To him, every child was precious, deserving of love, dignity, and the chance to thrive in a world filled with hope and opportunity.
“Do you ever wonder if they’ve never seen or tasted chocolate before?” Majd once posed this question to us, and it ignited a profound sense of purpose within each of us. His words served as a poignant reminder of the stark disparities in the world and fueled our collective determination to make a difference. Inspired by his empathy and insight, we were spurred to give our utmost, striving to create a world where every individual, regardless of circumstance, could experience the simple joys and pleasures that many take for granted. Majd’s words were more than just a question; they were a call to action, a catalyst for change, and a testament to his unwavering commitment to making the world a brighter, more compassionate place for all.
Majd’s compassion knew no boundaries; it reached beyond the confines of his community, family, and circle of friends. In the face of adversity, he stood resolute, a towering figure of hope amidst a sea of despair. Countless hearts bore the imprint of his kindness, touched by his boundless generosity and unwavering belief in the innate goodness of humanity. He poured every fiber of his being into serving those in need, offering himself without reservation or restraint, spent countless hours serving refuges clinics and patients. His acts of kindness transcended mere gestures; they were profound expressions of his unshakable faith in the innate goodness of humanity. Yet, even in the clutches of darkness, Majd refused to succumb to despair. He wanted to go to his homeland to visit our clinics in Syria, to make sure all is being done right and for the best interest of the refuges and all in need. His spirit remained unbroken, a testament to the indomitable strength of the human soul. Though his body may have been broken, his spirit soared, untethered by the chains of oppression.
Today, as we grieve the loss of Majd, a cherished doctor, friend, brother, human being, and colleague, let us also honor and celebrate his enduring legacy. His life was a profound testament to the transformative power of love, compassion, selflessness, strength, nour, and wisdom. Though he may no longer be with us in the physical sense, his spirit will forever remain a guiding light, providing solace and inspiration in our darkest moments. May we carry forward Majd’s legacy with reverence and determination, striving to embody the same virtues that defined his remarkable life.
Majd, you were a rare gem in a world marred by darkness, evil, and tyranny. A friend and colleague that we pray to meet in heaven with you. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts, souls, and a reminder of the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Your nour will never fade.
Khalid Hamza
Ammar Trabulsi
Yasar Qanawati
Saleem Alnuaimi
|SAMS’ Former Psych Committee 2011-2019|
