Suzanne:
One defining moment that changed the course of my life—and compelled me to fight for justice—was the murder of my brother, Deah, along with his wife, Yusor, and her sister, Razan, in 2015. Their brutal execution in their own home was not just a personal tragedy; it was a painful testament to the consequences of unchecked hate and the rising tide of Islamophobia. When the media initially dismissed their murders as a “parking dispute,” I realized how easily violence against marginalized communities is minimized, ignored, or distorted. I knew I had to speak out—not just for my family, but for all who suffer under the weight of bigotry.
The love of a sister for her brother propelled me into advocacy. As a physician, I began using my voice to combat Islamophobia and hate in all its forms. I started sharing my story with the media, policymakers, and even former Presidents, working together to both educate and develop tangible mechanisms to counter hate. I wanted the truth of what happened to my brother to not just be known, but to be a catalyst for change. But my fight is not just for my own community — it is for anyone targeted because of who they are, whether they are Muslims, Jews, Black Americans, immigrants, or other vulnerable groups.
In my heart, I know that most people can all agree that bigotry is unacceptable, yet too often we remain silent when we see it because it makes us uncomfortable. However, the onus is on all of us to be allies to others in times of need. Fighting hate requires more than just raising our voices; it requires listening, grace, and a willingness to have hard conversations. These are thorny, painful issues, but if we want real change, we must engage with one another in good faith—even when it’s uncomfortable. The path forward is not through division or defensiveness, but through the courage to confront our biases, acknowledge one another’s pain, and build a future where no one has to fear for their safety because of their identity.
Though my family’s loss is permanent, my purpose is clear: to prevent senseless hate from taking another’s brother, sister, child, mother, father or friend. My faith, profession, and lived experiences compel me to believe that love and justice have the final word in this world, and I will keep fighting to make that a reality.
