November 17th, 2020

Silence is Not an Option

Concerning recent misinformation passed around on behalf of A.F.F, the foundation would like to make a clear statement:

On the day marking three months since Amer’s passing, the Fakhoury family and the Amer Fakhoury Foundation (AFF) feels compelled to share recent events and publicly address several matters.

In the past few months, persons in whom the Fakhoury family placed trust, and who have been privy to every detail regarding Amer’s illegal detention and torture, have now been making statements contrary to those facts. Further, additional comments that are patently false have been made by these parties regarding statements made by Fakhoury family members. They claim to have made these statements to US and foreign officials, without benefit of Fakhoury family input or allowing their claims or statements to be challenged with the truth.

Our understanding is that these once trusted persons have, for whatever political or personal enrichment opportunities they seek, have turned their back on the Fakhoury family, and Amer’s life and legacy.

Now Fakhoury family members are receiving multiple attempts of intimidation and coercion expressly targeted to achieve their silence. They have been told, directly, that they and AFF are to stop talking about Amer’s illegal detention and torture, those who orchestrated it, and renounce their previous statements. This recent campaign is on top of the many previous threats, including injury or death, that the Fakhoury family had to suffer since Amer was illegally taken.

But truth is truth…and here is the truth:

• Amer was invited to return and visit Lebanon, ostensibly to allow his high-profile persona to assure others that the Lebanese government would abide to their pronouncements of amnesty for those who served in the SLA during the South Lebanon conflict against Hezbollah, a globally recognized terrorist organisation.

• Upon arrival, Amer – now a US citizen – would experience the regime’s corruption as he was unlawfully detained and handed over to forces known to be affiliated with, and controlled by, Hezbollah.

• For months, Amer would suffer injustice and torture on a daily basis.

• That his imprisonment and torture would lead to wounds and conditions which would eventually take his life.

• His release would only be accomplished when

  • His condition would become so grave that keeping him and allowing his death to occur in Lebanon would turn global political winds even further against his captors, and

  • The US government threatened to withhold aid until his release.

• That in his last days, Amer rallied his family to create AFF so others would not have to suffer the same fate.

And here is more truth:

• Silence is the tool of the enemy

• Silence allows corrupt regimes to operate

• Silence allows terrorists to thrive 

• Silence allows injustices to devastate tens of thousands of families each year

• Silence is the goal of the enemy

Our requests are simple.

• Pray for the Fakhoury family

• Know and share the truth

• Stay connected through our website and share our content through your social media outlets

• If you feel compelled to support our efforts, please contact us to learn how your contribution can empower AFF to make a difference.

We cannot fulfil our mission to be a voice to the voiceless if we allow ourselves to be intimidated to silence.

The Amer Fakhoury Foundation

By its Board of Directors