by: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
As we terribly need the presence of such patriot and loyal persons, Dr. Iyad Rajab al-Sarraj, Director and Founder of Gaza Community Mental Health Program, have passed away after a long struggle with illness.
The deceased is not only Palestinian in nationality, but also an Arab in affiliation and human in loyalty. He dedicated his life defending human rights and democracy, supporting the civil society and pioneering mental health in Palestine. His illness did not prevent him from performing his patriot duty and persistent work to heal the Palestinian fragmentation. He successfully represented the Palestinian cause on international levels and became an example of a successful psychiatrist and a politically creative figure.
We, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) represented by Dr. Riyadh al-Za’noun, Chairman of PCHR’s Board of Directors, members of the board of directors, PCHR’s Director Lawyer Raji Sourani and all staff members, extend our sincere condolences to, and expresses deepest sympathy with his family, all the Palestinian people and all free people around the world who closely knew him. With pain in hearts and with memories of his honest national efforts to the defend the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and dignity, we pray to Almighty Allah to make him rest in peace and offer his family patience.
Our pain for the loss of Dr. al-Sarraj may be relieved by the fact that thousands of persons who got to know him and shared him his unique human experience will continue the struggle he dedicated his life for.
May Allah have mercy upon him and offer his family and people patience.
Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return