Tragic Incident Details

In a tragic turn of events, Kamal Tabaja, the son of Hussein and Daad Tabaja—two Canadians who lost their lives in Lebanon—has revealed the harrowing details surrounding their deaths. The couple was reportedly caught in a traffic jam while attempting to escape the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah when their vehicle was struck by a bomb.

Emotional Interview

In an emotional interview from Bahrain, Kamal shared that his parents, aged 75 and 70, had been trying to flee their village in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon. After hours of being stuck in traffic, they lost communication with their family, leading to grave concerns for their safety. Kamal recounted, “We thought maybe their cellphones were dead,” but the truth was far more devastating.

Confirmation of Fate

The day they went missing, an Israeli bombardment took place in the area around 7:30 to 8 p.m. Concerned for their welfare, Kamal urged his brother, who resides in Lebanon, to investigate their whereabouts. The heartbreaking confirmation came when his brother learned there had indeed been a bombing, and tragically, Hussein and Daad were among the casualties.

Identification Challenges

The identification of their vehicle was nearly impossible due to the extensive damage. However, Kamal's brother managed to recognize it through an engraving on the license plate and personal items found inside—such as his mother's watch. Currently, DNA testing is being conducted on the body parts recovered, though Kamal believes this is merely a formality in confirming their identities.

Family Background and Resilience

Kamal, whose family emigrated to Ottawa from Lebanon in the late 1980s to escape the civil war, described his parents as dedicated individuals who provided a loving home. His father once worked as a teacher and manager at Beirut airport, and the family quickly obtained Canadian citizenship after their immigration. They frequently visited Canada over the years, although trips became less frequent as time passed.

Government Response

Following the tragic deaths, Global Affairs Canada has issued a statement urging Canadians currently in Lebanon to leave the country amid the ongoing conflict. They emphasized the urgency of departure while commercial flights are still available, stressing that evacuations are a last resort and cannot be guaranteed.

Public Sentiment

Disappointment surged within the Tabaja family as Kamal expressed frustration over the Canadian government's response to the situation. While Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly condemned the killing of his parents, calling them “innocent people,” Kamal felt that the reactions were not strong enough. “What is this? There’s a difference between de-escalation and condemnation,” he stated, representing the sentiments of many who feel caught in the crossfire of international conflicts.

Hope and Vigilance

Kamal continues to mourn the loss of his parents, who celebrated nearly five decades of marriage. As he reflects on their lives, he holds onto the hope that they are watching over him from above. This tragic event underscores the plight of civilians caught in conflict—innocent lives lost in the escalation of violence, raising critical questions about the safety and security of those in war-torn regions.

A Call for Justice

The fight for justice and acknowledgment of their loss remains an uphill battle for Kamal and others impacted by this ongoing conflict.