September 14, 2026

A Message from the Fakhoury Family Following Our Return to Lebanon

Returning to Lebanon was a decision we did not take lightly.

The last time our family traveled there was in 2019, when our father, Amer Fakhoury, was unlawfully detained under direct orders from Hezbollah. He went to Lebanon because of his deep love for his country and his desire to see it thrive. Instead, he was detained and endured an experience that changed our family forever. Going back for the first time since then carried emotions that are difficult to put into words.

After returning home, our father knew that change had to happen. The Amer Foundation was largely his idea, born from his belief that no family should have to endure what ours experienced and that Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities deserved support, hope, and a path toward a better future. The foundation became a way to turn his experience into action and to help create the change he knew was necessary.

We returned with hope because of the changes taking place under Lebanon’s new presidency. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Ambassador Issa and speak openly about what our family endured when Hezbollah held enormous power over Lebanon and its government institutions.

We shared our hope for Lebanon’s future, while also emphasizing that the work is not finished. Lebanon cannot achieve lasting peace, freedom, and sovereignty until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and its control over the country is brought to an end.

Over the past several years, the Amer Foundation has supported families in southern Lebanon who have suffered through war, instability, and economic hardship. We remain committed to standing with these communities during such difficult times and helping innocent families rebuild their lives.

We are deeply grateful to the United States government and the U.S. Embassy for their support throughout our visit. After everything our family experienced in 2019, being able to return to Lebanon and come home safely meant more to us than we can express.

Our father’s love for Lebanon and his experience will always guide our mission. We will continue advocating for Americans unlawfully detained abroad, supporting their families, standing with vulnerable communities in Lebanon, and working toward the day when every wrongfully detained American is safely brought home.

-The Fakhoury Family

For more information about the Amer Foundation and its mission, or to schedule an interview with Zoya Fakhoury or Guila Fakhoury, please contact us at team@amerfoundation.org

**About the Amer Foundation**

 In honor of the late U.S. hostage, Amer Fakhoury, the Amer Foundation is dedicated to advocating for victims of unlawful detention and those enduring the harsh realities of oppressive and corrupt regimes. We strive to raise awareness and foster educational outreach on democracy and human rights.