- OurBridge
- 06. Nov 2025
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A very special visit that touched our hearts
Last week, we were fortunate to welcome a very special visitor: Ghazalleh (Dayka Xazal) Pakseresht, Xatar's mother.
Giwar Hajabi (Xatar) is an especially meaningful supporter of ours because he helped us during a time when our vision was still being belittled. According to him, 'without much talking' and without losing any time, he did everything in his might to support our project. His significant contribution is what allowed us to build our orphanage in 2017 which was later turned into a school for more than 470 children.
While thousands of children became orphans overnight at the hands of ISIS, we managed to create a place for these traumatised children that would allow them to experience healing as well as beautiful and sheltered moments in their daily lives as soon as possible - thanks to Xatar and the support of many other wonderful people. Through education, sports and music, these experiences strengthen the children's resilience and promote the growth of love instead of hate in their hearts.
All of this would never have been possible without Xatar and all of those who have supported our organisation through various means. During the darkest hour, Xatar was the brightest star for Our Bridge.
Even though Xatar is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every corner of our school as well as through his mother. During her visit, Ghazalleh Pakseresht spent meaningful moments with our children, shared memories and had important conversations. Many of the children were already familiar with her because of her earlier visits alongside Xatar, and were able to feel just how much he advocated for their education and their lives.
We are deeply grateful that Ghazalleh (Dayka Xazal) Pakseresht walks on her son's path, striving to reach his goal by continuing to carry out his actions as his 'mental heir' with the same decisiveness and warmth of heart that he possessed. Her visit is a strong sign: A sign that things that somebody has begun live on and that care, support and education build bridges that span generations.
Together, we will continously create spaces in which children can learn, grow and one day have the chance of turning their dreams into reality.