Natalie Noureddin
I never like to share anything personal on Instagram and feel very vulnerable posting this. But I’m doing it because I know it would make my Baba happy if I tried to create something positive from his fate. I also think it’s important to show that war affects us all. I’m sharing this to give a voice to all those who no longer have a voice, to give a face to one of the thousands of civilians who have been killed – and are still being killed every single day. My Baba was killed in Beirut several weeks ago by Israeli airstrikes. Just a single tick on WhatsApp when I sent you messages. I was confused that my message was not delivered – it was always two ticks. Then I heard that bombs had hit the area where you were last seen. Panic consumed me. I kept messaging you desperately, calling you, you didn’t pick up. No one in the family could reach you; no one knew where you were. Your brothers searched every hospital in Beirut. I hoped they wouldn’t find you there – or if they did, „only” injured. Hours later, my worst fear was confirmed. They found you in a hospital – dead. My entire world collapsed, and my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. A pain that can’t be put into words, one l wouldn’t wish on anyone in this world. Just a few weeks ago, you visited me in Zurich. How can you simply be gone now? I feel sick, I can’t breathe and it feels as if someone had ripped my heart out of my chest while I am still alive.
You are a man with a huge heart, always ready to help others, and you always had a smile on your face. You loved life and you always stood loudly against every form of injustice, fighting for justice and freedom. The plight of Palestinians was something that deeply moved you throughout your life. In Lebanon, you had a house where you grew all kinds of fruits and vegetables, raised sheep and chickens, and, most of all, loved your dog Lulu. Even though you lived in England for the past 20 years, you traveled to your homeland whenever you could. In Zurich, you loved walking along Chinawiese and enjoying the view of the city from Käferberg. You were so happy that I was born on your birthday, and you were definitely the slowest driver in the world. I hope that by sharing your story, I can give something back to those who urgently need help. Especially now that winter is coming and the nights in Gaza and Lebanon are very cold. There is a humanitarian catastrophe. Every day, countless people lose their lives to genocide – while survivors lose their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods. You were taken from me, but my endless love for you and my memories can never be taken away. I dream of a world where no one dies because of war and bombs. A world where people have equal rights. The right to live with dignity, freedom, and peace. A world where love, respect, and tolerance for all people come first. I believe that solidarity is more important now than ever.
I can’t bring my Baba back, but I can try to help those who urgently need support now. That’s why I’m starting a fundraising campaign in my Baba’s name for people in need in Gaza and Lebanon. The collected donations will go to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – known in German as Ärzte ohne Grenzen, and internationally as Doctors Without Borders. This organization tirelessly provides life-saving assistance in war zones like Gaza and Lebanon and is on the ground offering medical care to people amidst destruction and despair. MSF treats the injured, performs surgeries, and offers psychological support for severely traumatized individuals. Additionally, they distribute essential supplies such as clean water, food, medicine, tents, blankets, mattresses, and more. You can find the donation link in my bio. If you specify “Gaza & Lebanon” in the purpose field, your donation will directly benefit these two regions. Every contribution – no matter how small – counts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With much love,
Natalie