In Memory of Dr. Nagui Khouzam

Today, our hearts are heavy, but our spirits are filled with gratitude as we say goodbye to our patriarch, Dr. Nagui Khouzam, who passed away today at the remarkable age of 98.  To the world, he was a doctor, a healer who dedicated his life to caring for others. But to us, and to the thousands of lives touched by Water 4 Mercy, he was the spark that started it all.

A Journey of Courage:  Born in Cairo, Egypt, Papa made the courageous decision in 1969 to leave everything behind and immigrate to the United States with our family of seven. He didn't just seek a new location; he sought a better future where he could live, work, and raise his children with dignity.

The Roots of Our Mission: It was Papa who instilled in us the core values that define Water 4 Mercy today: the dignity of honest work, the transformative power of education, and the moral imperative to always stand up for those in need. He lived a life marked by humility, integrity, compassion, generosity, and steadfast devotion to God and family.

It is no exaggeration to say that Water 4 Mercy would not exist without the example he set. When we first dreamed of eradicating thirst and hunger in Africa, it was Papa and my mother, Désirée, who stepped forward with unwavering belief. They provided the balance and critical funding for our very first village project, Mwinyi inTanzania. Because of their generosity, a cycle of poverty was broken, and bountiful cycles of success began.

Honoring His Life: Dr. Khouzam believed in our Mission for Upholding Human Dignity.  In lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute to the Dr. Nagui Khouzam Memorial Fund. Every dollar raised will go toward expanding the work he helped start; bringing clean water, sustainable agriculture, and lasting hope for  generations.

Thank you, Papa, for teaching us to love with our actions.