American Hajj Kamel Ahmad Jawad, from Dearborn, Michigan, was killed by an airstrike in Lebanon on Tuesday, according to a statement released by his family.
Jawad was staying in Nabatieh, which is in the south of the country but north of the Litani River, according to his family.
The statement said he was killed in an Israeli airstrike. While Israel has been striking Nabatieh, ABC News cannot independently verify the manner of his death.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who represents Dearborn, shared the statement on her Instagram. On X, she shared an article about Americans trying to evacuate Lebanon, saying one of her constituents there “was already killed in an Israeli airstrike.”
“People from across the globe have reached out to me and my family to send their condolences and share stories about how special of a human he was,” Nadine Kamel Jawad, the victim’s daughter, said in the statement. “Additionally, we’ve been approached by numerous news outlets and public figures seeking our comments. My father’s story is not just about him; it’s about a man who stood with the oppressed and dedicated to life to uplifting others. As my family grieves this significant loss, we ask for privacy.”
Hajj Kamel Ahmad Jawad, from Dearborn, Michigan, died during an Israeli strike in Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2024, according to his family.
Courtesy Jawad Family
“In his last moments, my father was calm,” she added. “He emphasized our collective responsibility to help the oppressed. Even as he witnessed destruction from the missiles falling all around him, his certainty in the importance of caring for community — in any and every capacity possible — remained at the forefront.”
A commemoration service will be held at The Islamic Center of America in Dearborn on Sunday.
The White House said it was “deeply saddened by the death of Kamel Ahmad Jawad,” according to a National Security Council spokesperson.
“His death is a tragedy, as are the deaths of many civilians in Lebanon,” the spokesperson added.
ABC News’ Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.
The recent Israeli airstrike in Lebanon has claimed the lives of several individuals, including an American citizen. The family of the deceased has confirmed their tragic death, sending shockwaves through their community and sparking outrage over the ongoing violence in the region.
The American citizen, who has not been identified publicly, was reportedly in Lebanon visiting family when the airstrike occurred. The attack, which targeted a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, resulted in multiple casualties and widespread destruction.
The family of the deceased has expressed their deep sorrow and disbelief over the loss of their loved one. They have called for justice and accountability for those responsible for the airstrike, urging for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the region.
The death of an American citizen in the Israeli airstrike highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing violence in the Middle East. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and conflict, and the importance of finding peaceful solutions to resolve disputes and prevent further loss of life.
The United States government has condemned the airstrike and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. They have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalating tensions in the region.
As the family of the American citizen mourns their loss, they are also grappling with the difficult task of repatriating their loved one’s remains and navigating the complex legal and logistical challenges that come with such a tragedy. They are receiving support from their community and local authorities as they navigate this difficult time.
The death of an American citizen in the Israeli airstrike serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for peace and reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions. It is a tragedy that should not be forgotten, and a call to action for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
