American therapist held captive in Syria for over seven years confirmed deceased

Majd Kamalmaz, an American man who was detained in Syria over seven years ago, has passed away, as confirmed by the Bring Our Families Home Campaign (BoFH).

In a statement released by Jonathan Franks, the spokesperson for BoFH, it was revealed that Majd Kamalmaz tragically did not survive the harsh conditions of the prisons. He endured seven long years without a case, trial, or any form of communication with his family. BoFH is a group that advocates for Americans who are held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.

Kamalmaz, a Texas psychotherapist, was detained in 2017 at a checkpoint in Damascus, Syria, while on a trip to visit family.

He was a kindhearted, loving, and caring person who embodied these qualities as a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

In 2020, CNN shared a report about Kamalmaz's family members. They hadn't heard from him since he was detained. They felt hopeful after Trump administration officials visited Damascus. The officials were trying to free American prisoners held by the Syrian government.

However, despite the visit and efforts made, Kamalmaz did not come back home. The silence surrounding his detainment since 2017 continued.

A vigil is held outside of the White House on February 17 to mark three years since Majd Kamalmaz's detention in Syria.

A vigil is held outside of the White House on February 17 to mark three years since Majd Kamalmaz's detention in Syria.

family photo

“We do feel invisible,” said Maryam Kamalmaz, speaking on the first-ever Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day about her father’s disappearance earlier this year.

Majd Kamalmaz is a "very empathetic, loving" person, his son says.

Majd Kamalmaz is a "very empathetic, loving" person, his son says.

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The family of a doctor detained in Syria is asking President Trump to help secure his release. They, along with other families of detained Americans, requested a meeting with President Biden, but their request was not granted.

Maryam Kamalmaz announced her father's passing and expressed how the family has been coping with his absence for seven years. The emotional toll has been heavy, but they hope his legacy of helping others will continue.

CNN has reached out to the US State Department for comment.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic passing of Majd Kamalmaz after seven years of unjust detention in Syria is a profound reminder of the human toll of geopolitical conflicts. Kamalmaz, a kind and devoted family man, was denied a fair trial and any contact with his loved ones during his harrowing ordeal. The efforts of advocacy groups like BoFH to secure his release were met with silence and inaction from the Syrian government.

This case underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and accountability in resolving the fates of individuals wrongfully detained overseas. The families of victims like Kamalmaz are left with unbearable grief and unanswered questions. The international community must demand transparency, justice, and the swift repatriation of all those unjustly imprisoned. By raising awareness and advocating for the rights of these forgotten prisoners, we can honor their memories and prevent future tragedies.