Memorial
Honoring their memory
Ohad Shemesh (1987-2014)
In 2010, Ohad Shemesh joined IFA’s mission in Haiti following the devastating earthquake, helping build and operate a protective orphanage for girls at risk of trafficking, and providing them with shelter, safety, and hope in the aftermath of disaster. Upon returning to Israel, he continued to voluntarily contribute his time and skills to IFA. Ohad was killed in 2014 during operational military activity in Khan Yunis during Operation Protective Edge. In his memory, Ohad’s friends and IFA deployed a humanitarian mission to Nepal in 2015, guided by Ohad’s spirit of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to reaching those most in need.
Nemam Ghafouri M.D. (1968-2021)
Kurd by birth and by choice, she carried her identity not as a banner of division, but as a commitment to dignity, resilience, and freedom. A medical doctor residing in Sweden, Nemam Ghafouri left her career and family behind and moved into Syria and Iraq in order to treat, protect and save Kurdish, Yazidi children and women from the brutality of ISIS. She was courageous and sanctified life over all else, partnering with an Israeli NGO, in regions where such cooperation could have cost her with her life. She passed away in 2021 after contracting COVID-19.
Amb. Dr. Nagwa Gadaheldam (?-2020)
A unique, altruistic, brave and kindhearted partner. Amb. Dr. Nagwa Gadaheldam devoted her life to advancing peace and justice worldwide. The pivot of the relations between Israel and Sudan that hadn’t matured yet. She passed away in 2020 after contracting COVID-19 while distributing food to people in need during the month of Ramadan in Sudan.