For Gaza’s Fathers This Father’s Day

Today we speak your name with reverence.

To every father in Gaza holding families together with nothing but faith, courage, and love — we see you.

And to my cousin Maher —

A father who gave the world his heart through his children:

· Mohamed Maher, 24, computer specialist – martyred in 2008.

· Mazen Maher, 31, accountant, father of a son – martyred in 2024.

· Majd al‑Din Maher, 29, engineer, father of two daughters – martyred in 2023.

· Abdulrahman Maher, 22, engineer – martyred in 2024.

· Mahmoud, husband of his only daughter, engineer, father of five sons and daughters – martyred in 2023.

Five sons of his soul. Four of his own blood, and a son-in-law loved just the same.

No words can touch that loss.

No Father’s Day card is enough.

But your love for them, and theirs for you, is proof that life and memory refuse to be erased.

You father still — in their honor, in every breath you take.

We honor you. We hold you.

We will not forget their names, or yours.

Honoring you this Father’s Day, Maher, and every Gaza father carrying impossible weight with impossible grace.

Picture on the left of all mutters, on the right is Maher standing with his sons celebrating Mazen’s successful presentation of his Master degree in the accounting information system in Gaza municipalities.