My wife, our children, and I are immensely heartbroken to learn that Chris Affleck has passed away.

Chris was far more than a friend. She was like a mother to me and Maram, and a grandmother to our two, and later three, children during the time we lived in Cambridge between 2019 and 2020. She took our kids to the Children’s Museum, accompanied Maram to the Cambridge Public Library as she learned English, and made sure we never felt alone.

Thousands of miles away from our families, when Maram gave birth to Mostafa in May 2020, Chris brought us meals, comfort, and the kind of love only family gives.

Many people know Chris as the mother of Ben and Casey Affleck. What many, perhaps most, do not know is that she was also one of the most steadfast advocates for Palestine. During the Covid pandemic, she stopped by to see us with a “Free Gaza” poster displayed on her car.

Whenever I returned to Cambridge or Boston to give a reading or speak, Chris was there. She always greeted us with tears, warm encouragement, and thoughtful gifts for our children.

The last time we saw each other was after my reading at Harvard in February 2025.

In May 2023, I gave Chris a necklace and a ring embroidered by my sister-in-law, who remains in Gaza today. Chris was overjoyed and immediately put them on.

We will miss you dearly, Chris. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your unwavering solidarity.

May you rest in peace.

Free Gaza. Free Palestine.