Our Inspiration

The Inspiration Behind Our Work

Be In Peace was inspired by the work of Majd Kamalmaz, an award-winning humanitarian and psychotherapist who has served some of the world's most traumatized communities affected by war and natural disasters. His work came to an abrupt end in 2017 when he was detained without charge when traveling to Syria to visit elderly family members and to provide mental health support to those traumatized by the war.   We are committed to ensuring that his work supporting the mental health needs of communities suffering trauma around the world continues.  

Majd’s daughter Maryam, who is a member of Be In Peace’s Advisory Council, shares:

“My father felt called to serve those around the world in war-torn and disaster affected areas, from Kosova to Lebanon and also in the US in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He worked with local communities providing psychological support and trained local professionals and community groups in a culturally-sensitive way. He also provided funding (often out of his own pocket) so that local psycho-social workers and experts were able to provide much-needed, sustainable mental health support.”

Majd’s work has touched many lives and the impact of that work stretches back many years.  On finding out that he was missing, Majd’s daughter Maryam was contacted by Shkendije Hoda, Director of the Women’s NGO Gjakova, in Kosova, over 20 years after she first worked with him:

"For me, Majd was not only a humanitarian, but also a psychologist, a calm man with a good heart. I met him for the first time in 2000, when I asked him to help me with sessions for women affected by sexual violence in the war in Gjakova, Kosova. We miss him a lot.  I would like nothing more in life than to be able to thank this generous man once again for everything he has done for the mothers and sisters of my city.” 

We appreciate your support in ensuring that Majd’s work to support and show care for communities continues.

Syrian Refugees Find Ease Amid Chaos

We are heartbroken to announce the presumed death of our mentor, colleague and friend, humanitarian trauma therapist Majd Kamalmaz, who was abducted in Syria in 2017.  May he be in peace.