Our hearts cannot help but break every time news about Deah Barakat, his young bride, Yusor Abu-Salha and her sister Razan Abu-Salha appear on our newsfeed. Without fail, our eyes tear up and our throats close. We are overcome by the pain and injustice of three beautiful lives robbed from this Earth.

As “Know Thy Heritage” delegates, Palestinian youth of the Diaspora, we cannot help but see ourselves in Deah, Yusor, and Razan. This makes the grim reality of their death and its aftermath even more gruesome and difficult to bear. We send our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones who feel this loss most acutely.

Please join us in a vigil to honor Deah, Yusor and Razan, and light a candle for peace in their name. While it is not much, we hope this small gesture brings a warm smile to their hearts in heaven and gives hope to all who pray for brighter days to come.