Washington, D.C., June 14, 2024 – Majd Kamalmaz is an award winning American psychotherapist who is known for treating those with severe trauma and PSTD all around the world. In February of 2017 Kamalmaz traveled into Syria to continue this work and was immediately detained and forcibly disappeared by the Assad Regime. His family has been fighting for his safe return since but in May of 2024 the U.S. declared his passing.
To honor Kamalmaz’s life, legacy, and the countless others detained in Syria and elsewhere, a Hostage & Wrongful Detainee Flag was raised in his memory. This flag is flown to mark the release or, in Kamalmaz’s case, the tragic loss of an American held captive abroad.
The event, attended by Kamalmaz’s family members, government officials, and supporters, highlighted the ongoing efforts to achieve justice and accountability for Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad.
John Bass, the undersecretary of state, led the ceremony, expressing deep gratitude for Kamalmaz’s life of service and dedication to humanitarian causes. “Majd represented the best of our country – a generous, loyal, and giving man who lived a life of service,” Bass said. He emphasized the importance of remembering those still held captive and the importance of holding those accountable for wrongful imprisonment, as in Kamalmaz’s case.
Raj Mann, the director of the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, also spoke at the event, reiterating the ongoing investigations and efforts to bring justice to Kamalmaz’s family. “Today’s flag raising is to honor Majd, but this is not the end. We will continue to use our partnerships and investigative means to find answers,” Mann stated.
Kamalmaz’s family members, including his sons Khalid and Ibrahim, and his sister Hala, shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating his legacy of compassion and humanitarianism. Khalid expressed gratitude for the recognition and called for continued efforts to bring home other hostages. Ibrahim led the attendees in a gratitude exercise, one his father did often with his patients. It emphasizes the power of gratitude to bring inner peace and love.
June 11th marked the third time the Hostage & Wrongful Detainee Flag has been raised at the State Department. Bass highlighted the significance of the flag as a call to action, urging continued efforts to secure the release of wrongfully detained Americans, including those in Syria.
The ceremony concluded with the raising of the flag, commemorating Kamalmaz’s inspirational life and mission, one of service towards others above all else.
