The heart-wrenching phrase “The Soul of My Soul" became a symbol of Palestinian grief and resilience, originating from Khaled Nabhan (Abu Diaa), a grandfather whose profound sorrow resonated across social media. Khaled first captured global attention when he cradled his martyred granddaughter, Reem, calling her the “soul of my soul” as he bid her farewell. Now, in a tragic turn of events, Khaled himself has been martyred in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Khaled’s pain began months ago in November 2023, when an Israeli missile struck near his home, killing Reem and her brother Tarek. The bombing caused their house to collapse, leaving the family shattered both physically and emotionally. His grief over their loss and his haunting words turned Khaled into a poignant icon of the Palestinian struggle against the relentless Israeli aggression.

Social media has once again become a vessel for collective mourning, with tributes pouring in following Khaled’s martyrdom. Many users shared the image of him embracing Reem’s lifeless body, describing him as a witness to the enduring brutality of occupation. A Facebook post by Mohamed Dabour read, “The soul has finally reunited with the soul. He has joined his granddaughter as a martyr. To Allah we belong, and to Him, we shall return.”

Khaled’s tragic story also inspired art and solidarity. Activists and artists drew images of him holding Reem, captioned with his now-famous words “Soul of My Soul.” His virtual presence, which he used to highlight the suffering of Gaza’s besieged civilians, became a platform for exposing the inhumanity of the Israeli occupation and sharing messages of hope, charity, and resilience amidst despair.

In his final days, Khaled continued to channel his pain into action, dedicating his time to healing the wounds of others and spreading messages of unity. His death leaves an enduring void, but his words remain a rallying cry against injustice.

The phrase “The Soul of My Soul” will forever echo as a symbol of loss, defiance, and the resilience of the Palestinian people, encapsulating their determination to endure despite the immense human cost inflicted by war and occupation.