Deah Barakat
Deah Barakat was only 23 years old when hate-motivated violence ended his life far too early.
He was a regular, American kid with dreams, goals and heart for service. He was the youngest of three, and his kindness and generosity showed through in his relationship with his siblings. Deah’s humanitarian efforts and love of people, basketball, friends, and family was evident in all he did.
His servant’s heart made him special, and his commitment to helping the less fortunate was a guiding force in his life. Deah’s work and passion has continued as his legacy of service is realized through the focus of the OTW Foundation. Through the continued support of dental relief for the underserved as well as a number of other efforts that ensure the perpetual showing of love and community building, Deah’s efforts and commitment to humanity lives on.
“I have a dream one day, to have a unified and structured community. Have a voice in our society and support the youth with their projects.” ~ Deah Barakat
Yusor Abu-Salha
Yusor’s name, which means “ease,” comes from a verse in the Holy Quran: “With every hardship comes ease.” True to her name, she brought joy and comfort to those around her throughout her life. A high achiever, Yusor flourished, deeply engaging with her community both socially and philanthropically. Her passion for helping others was evident – whether leading the service chapter of NC State University’s Muslim Student Association, organizing an annual health fair for Raleigh’s underserved communities, or traveling abroad to provide care and amplify the voices of refugees displaced by war.
In December 2014, just one day after her 21st birthday, Yusor married Deah, the boy she first met in elementary school. That same month, she received the news of her acceptance to the University of North Carolina’s School of Dentistry, where she would join her husband in the fall. Together with Deah and her sister Razan, Yusor planned to travel abroad in the summer of 2015 to provide dental and humanitarian care to Syrian refugees.
She would never take that trip. Just six weeks after her wedding, Yusor’s life was tragically cut short. Yet her compassion and empathy endure through dental relief efforts and other initiatives inspired by her legacy, ensuring her commitment to serving the underserved lives on.
“Hijab is my constant reminder that we aren’t living for this world. Hope we ladies can reap the rewards of this daily test. #perseverance” ~ Yusor Abu-Salha
Razan Abu-Salha
Razan was a 19-year-old student of Architecture at North Carolina State University’s School of Design. From a young age, Razan utilized her talent and creativity to benefit others. She painted and sold portraits of peace, donating thousands of dollars in proceeds to provide medical and humanitarian aid for children in the Middle East. Razan also used her creative talents to organize and promote a bi-weekly community service project in Downtown Raleigh to feed and spend time with those experiencing homelessness, an endeavor that lives on today.
Razan was Editor-in-Chief of the Athens Oracle, her high school newspaper. She was an avid reader, a fitted cap collector, a photographer, and a long-distance runner. After the tragic hate crime that claimed her life, her brother Yousef Abu-Salha and her best friends began running for charity and completed the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon on her behalf. She is the inspiration behind the annual “Run for Razan 5K”, a race created in her honor. Razan is remembered by her loved ones as fun, kind, gentle, and wise beyond her years.
“If He has taken from you which you could have never imagined losing, He will give you that which you could never have imagined owning.” ~ Razan Abu-Salha
Our Story
On February 10, 2015, the lives of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha – affectionately known as Our Three Winners – were cut short in a tragic act of violence fueled by hate. The impact of these murders resonated far beyond their families, touching communities and people around the world. While hate-fueled violence has long affected American Muslims and marginalized groups, interventions to prevent these crimes have been scarce and often ineffective.
Amid rising divisive rhetoric and increasing hate crimes, OTW was established to challenge and disrupt this dangerous status quo. By fostering awareness, promoting advocacy, and supporting meaningful initiatives, OTW continues to build a foundation for a more equitable and united society. The foundation honors Deah, Yusor, and Razan by turning their legacy of kindness and service into a movement of resilience and proactive change.
Story Timeline
