Latest news with #martyrs
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Interior Ministry confirms sustained care, loyalty to martyrs' families during Hajj
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior, through the Agency for Military Affairs, is supporting the families of deceased and injured armed forces personnel with a humanitarian program reflecting the leadership's commitment to citizens. A key part of the program enables relatives of martyrs and injured personnel to perform Hajj at the ministry's expense, along with providing psychological, medical and social care throughout the year. One beneficiary speaking from Mina, Ibrahim bin Abdulkarim Al-Zahrani — injured in the line of duty and brother to two martyrs — expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom's support. He said such care reassures families that the Kingdom stands by them and gives them strength to continue serving, a Saudi Press Agency report said. Al-Zahrani added that the ministry's efforts, under Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, represent the state's respect for the sacrifices of martyrs and its commitment to their families. Chief Sgt. Salem Al-Qahtani of the General Department for the Care of Martyrs and Injured Families shared his 14-year experience serving the group, highlighting the department's close, familial bond with their families. 'We have followed the children of the martyrs since their early years, watching them grow — some are now our colleagues, while others are performing Hajj through this program under the leadership's close supervision,' he said. The department develops support programs for beneficiaries, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to honoring those who gave their lives for the nation and continuing support for their families. It also reflects the leadership's approach to supporting citizens and honoring the sacrifices of martyrs.
Saudi Press
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Press
Hajj Ministry Stresses Importance of Adhering to Stoning Schedules
Former Palestinian Health Minister Appreciates Kingdom's Hospitality for Families of Martyrs and Prisoners during Hajj
Arab News
02-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Kingdom hosts relatives of Palestinian prisoners and martyrs for Hajj pilgrimage
MAKKAH: Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian political prisoners and martyrs who have died in the conflict with Israel have arrived to perform Hajj as part of Saudi Arabia's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday, bringing the number of those performing Hajj and arriving from Palestine to 1,000. Palestinian pilgrims arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and were later hosted in the program's special accommodation in the holy city of Makkah. They praised Saudi Arabia and its leadership for serving Muslims and the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program has hosted thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims since its establishment in 1996. The program this year is set to host 2,443 Hajj pilgrims from 100 countries. They started arriving in the Kingdom in May.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
First Flight Carrying Hajj Pilgrims from Syria's War Wounded Set to Arrive in Jeddah
The Syrian people have waited several long years for this opportunity. On Friday, the first flight carrying the country's war wounded is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia where they will perform the Hajj. The direct flight will land in Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport from Damascus. It will be carrying 192 Syrians who have suffered severe injuries during the 14-year conflict. This will mark the Syrians' first journey to the Hajj in years after flights were suspended due to the war. The flight was possible through a presidential grant allotted to the relatives of martyrs and wounded. Organizers have said that Saudi Arabia has not spared an effort in facilitating the arrival and accommodating the pilgrims. Dr. Fayez Matar, who was involved in the process in Syria, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the flight was unprecedented and was being operated by a foreign company. The injuries suffered by the pilgrims are severe and complex, and include double amputations, complete loss of vision, the loss of one eye, amputations of upper limbs, amputations below the knee and amputations above the knee, partial paralysis, and one case of a full body burn. On how the pilgrims were chosen, Matar explained that the process was organized by a dedicated committee and focused on people who were injured during the recent years of the war, especially people who were involved in liberation operations against the ousted regime. Some spots were allocated to people who have older injuries. The names were chosen in a draw that covered all Syrian regions and was held under the direct supervision of dedicated committees to ensure transparency and fairness, continued Matar. A number of the travelers spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat from Damascus airport. They expressed their joy and gratitude at the opportunity to perform the Hajj. Wadih Hajj Mahmoud, from the city of Atarib in southern Aleppo, bid farewell to his wife and four children. Holding back tears, he told Asharq Al-Awsat: 'After all the pain and loss we have been through, God has given us the opportunity to perform the fifth pillar of Islam.' 'It is difficult to describe this moment,' he added. He revealed that he was wounded in August 2016 when he was inspecting a position in the al-Rashideen area west of Aleppo. 'I was completely exposed to the enemy (regime army), when I was struck by a shell. It blew up at my feet,' he said, leaving him with an amputation. 'Despite this, I remained determined. I was among the first fighters to storm Aleppo during its liberation,' he added. Another traveler, Jomaa Qaddour al-Sheikh, another father of four, said he was overwhelmed with emotion at taking the first steps in his Hajj journey. He lost his left leg in August 2012 during fighting with regime forces. He said several of his comrades were martyred during the battle. As he made his way to the holy city of Makkah, he said that the pain he was feeling was slowly fading away.
LBCI
22-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Berri urges high voter turnout in southern municipal elections
On the eve of the final phase of municipal and local elections in South Lebanon and Nabatieh governorates, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called on residents to vote in large numbers, describing it as an act of national duty and a stand against turning the region into a buffer zone despite the sacrifices made. Berri said, 'Lebanese, southerners, you are the essence of beginnings—in sorrow and joy, in pain and hope. You are the sons of Imam Moussa al-Sadr. Participating in everything that shapes the life of the state is the path to freedom, justice, and development.' Directing his message to the families of martyrs, especially those who died during Israeli attacks, he added: "To all the loyal, steadfast, and resistant, you are called upon on May 24 to embody the scene of return and loyalty through the ballot box.'
