Khaled Nabhan born 1st January 1964 (approximate date) passed away on the 16th December 2024, Khaled was a man of quiet resilience and unyielding compassion who lived amidst the ruins of Gaza. A devoted teacher, he nurtured young minds with knowledge and hope, believing deeply in the transformative power of education, even in the face of relentless adversity. His kindness extended to all creatures, he fed stray cats, traumatized and starving like Gaza’s people, a simple yet profound act that reflected his boundless empathy for those caught in the grip of suffering. In moments of fleeting normalcy, Khaled found joy in playing with his grandchild, Reem, whom he lovingly called the "Soul of My Soul." After tragically losing her and his youngest daughter, 10-year-old Ratil, their laughter remained in his memory, a fragile yet defiant melody against the backdrop of devastation. Khaled’s unwavering care for his elderly mother, tending to her with gentle devotion, exemplified the enduring strength of family bonds. In a place where despair often loomed large, Khaled stood as a beacon of hope, steadfastness, and the enduring power of small acts of kindness to reaffirm life. Rest in peace, Khaled.

Mazen al-Hamada, born in 3rd July 1977, passed away 9th December 2024 (47). A Beacon of Courage and Resilience is what Mazen was. Mazen al-Hamada was a Syrian activist from Deir ez-Zor whose life and legacy continue to inspire countless people around the world. With unshakable courage, he stood at the forefront of the peaceful protests during the Arab Spring in 2011, joining his fellow Syrians in their cry for freedom, dignity, and justice. Mazen's activism came at an immense personal cost. For his participation in these demonstrations, he was arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to unimaginable torture over a harrowing 18-month period. Despite enduring physical and emotional suffering, Mazen remained steadfast in his convictions, becoming a voice for the voiceless and shedding light on the horrors experienced by detainees in Syria's prisons. After his release, Mazen shared his story with the world, advocating tirelessly for human rights and justice. His testimony brought attention to the plight of those still detained and highlighted the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. His warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on all who met him. Mazen al-Hamada's life reminds us of the power of standing up for what is right, even in the darkest of times. His courage continues to be a guiding light for those striving for a better, more just world. RIP Mazen.

Beloved dog Ben passes away after battle with cancer. In a heart-wrenching update, the family of Ben a dog who brought joy and comfort to many has announced his passing after a battle with cancer. Ben’s diagnosis revealed that the disease had spread extensively throughout his organs, leaving no options for treatment. On a difficult day for those closest to him, Ben was humanely laid to rest. Known for his intelligence, gentle demeanor, and friendly spirit, Ben captured the hearts of all who met him. Whether at home or accompanying his family on travels, he left a lasting impression with his big smile and ever-wagging tail. Those who knew him say Ben was a truly special soul. A patient and inquisitive companion, he had a remarkable ability to connect with people, offering comfort and understanding in ways that words could not. Ben’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the love and joy he shared during his ten years of life. RIP Ben

A dear friend of mine's cat sadly passed away, here is what Daniel wrote: My little DonnaMichi has crossed the 🌈🌈 bridge. She gave me 17 years of love, purrs and kisses. Thank you for your prayers and love during this very sad time 😪😪. My heart is broken and I will miss her everyday until we meet again my little girl 💖💖

Emmett the cheetah sadly passed away in June 2024. He had been facing health challenges for some time, and recent blood work revealed concerning changes. Animal care and health teams sedated him to conduct further evaluations, but sadly, he passed away while under sedation. Emmett was more than just a cheetah, he embodied resilience, friendship, and the remarkable bond that can form between animals and humans. Born in 2016, Emmett faced challenges early on when his mother rejected him due to health complications. But once he was stabilized, he quickly bonded with Cullen, a yellow Labrador retriever, and the two became inseparable. Their unique friendship touched everyone who knew them at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. RIP Emmett, Cullen will be missing you.

Turhan Bey (Turhan Gilbert Selahattin Şahultavi) was a fascinating figure from Hollywood’s Golden Age with a background as unique as his screen presence. Born in Vienna, Austria, on 30th March 1922 to a Turkish father and Czech-Jewish mother, he and his family moved to the U.S. to escape the rise of Nazi Germany. Hollywood quickly took notice of his exotic looks and charisma, and he became known as "The Turkish Delight" by fans. Bey was often cast in romantic and mysterious roles, frequently paired with Maria Montez in Universal’s adventure films. He starred in films like The Mummy's Tomb (1942), Arabian Nights (1942), Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1944), and Night in Paradise (1946), becoming a popular leading man of his time. However, by the early 1950s, Bey decided to leave Hollywood, feeling restricted by the limited roles available to him. Back in Austria, he turned to his other passions, like photography and theater, taking on work as a photographer and stage director. In the 1990s, Bey made a brief return to acting with guest appearances on TV shows like SeaQuest DSV and Murder, She Wrote, which delighted longtime fans. He passed away on the 30th of September 2012 at the age of ninety, remembered as one of the few Middle Eastern actors to make a mark in classic Hollywood. RIP Turhan Bey

Quincy Jones, born on March 14, 1933, passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91. His name is synonymous with musical excellence. With a career spanning over seven decades, he left an indelible mark on the worlds of jazz, pop, R&B, and beyond. Born in Chicago, Quincy began his journey as a trumpet player and quickly evolved into a visionary composer, arranger, and producer. Jones' influence includes producing Michael Jackson's legendary albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, cementing his status as a mastermind in the industry. He worked with an astonishing array of artists, from Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, contributing to hits that have become part of the cultural fabric. Beyond producing, Quincy scored films, earning an impressive collection of awards, including 28 Grammy wins out of 80 nominations, and an honorary Academy Award. His impact extended beyond music; Quincy was an advocate for humanitarian efforts and education, using his platform to promote unity and uplift underrepresented voices. Quincy Jones wasn’t just a figure in music history; he was an architect of sound whose influence continues to shape the music we hear today. RIP Quincy.

Mrithi a silver back gorilla of Pittsburgh Zoo, born at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, passed away on February 1, 2024 at the age of 31. He was under routine sedation following some recent mobility issues, he left this world peacefully, leaving a profound mark on all who knew him. Born in 1992, Mrithi was a landmark addition to the zoo’s family, symbolizing new beginnings as the first gorilla born there. Over the years, he grew into a magnificent silverback, taking on the role of group leader in 2005. As a father, he sired four offspring Ivan, Frank, Bo, and Charlotte who will carry on his legacy and the importance of gorilla conservation. Known for his gentle and playful nature, Mrithi was a devoted father who loved spending time with his young ones, especially his sons, who were often seen tumbling and playing by his side. In the warm summer months, one of his favorite activities was rolling in the pool and drying off in the grass a joyful sight that brought smiles to many. Mrithi’s spirit lives on through his offspring, and his presence will be missed deeply. He was more than an animal; he was a cherished part of the community and a true ambassador for gorillas. Rest in peace, Mrithi.

Trilly the moose passed away on 6th August 2024 at the age of eleven. She was a gentle giant who captured the hearts of many with her calm and endearing presence. She stood as a symbol of Canada’s rich wildlife and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of seeing her up close. Known for her curious nature, Trilly often charmed visitors with her large, soulful eyes and graceful movements, becoming a favorite among all who met her. Over the years, she became more than just an exhibit; she was a cherished member of her caretakers' lives and a quiet ambassador for her species. Trilly's passing is deeply felt by those who knew her story, and her memory will be a lasting reminder of the beauty and gentleness found in nature. May Trilly rest in peace. We encourage children of all ages to explore and appreciate animals through digital platforms and other means rather than visiting zoos. We have no disrespect for those who work in zoos; in fact, quite the opposite. We are incredibly grateful and respectful of all of you who take care of animals while in captivity. However, we believe animals should be left in the wild where they belong. The My Light Here Team

Shinzo Abe, born on 21st September 1954, was sadly assassinated on 8th July 2022 at the age of 67, an event that shocked the nation and the world. He was a prominent Japanese statesman and conservative politician. Abe served as the prime minister of Japan and president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) across two terms, first from 2006 to 2007 and then from 2012 to 2020. He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japan’s history, holding office for nearly nine years in total. Abe’s leadership was marked by ambitious economic policies, famously known as "Abenomics," which aimed to revitalize Japan's stagnant economy through a combination of monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural reforms. On the international stage, he focused on strengthening Japan’s alliances, particularly with the United States, and worked to expand Japan’s role in global affairs. Domestically, Abe pushed for constitutional reinterpretations to allow a more assertive national defense policy, reflecting his strong stance on national security. Throughout his tenure, Abe's administration emphasized conservative values and worked to address Japan's aging population and declining birthrate. His leadership left a lasting impact on Japan’s political landscape and economic strategies, making him one of the country’s most significant and influential leaders in recent history. RIP