In the afternoon of November 11, Maha (37), Haydar (12) and Zayn (13) lost their lives when a boat with refugees coming from Libya capsized while a Frontex vessel approached them.
Maha had fled from Syria with four of her children, Haydar and Zayn, as well as two more of her daughters, aged 11 and 14 years who were among the survivors of shipwreck. Maha was trying to reach her husband and the children’s father, who was already in Germany. German authorities had refused them family reunification – and so the Alawite family had no other choice to reach safety, than to flee by the small boat that later capsized.
The death of Maha, Haydar and Zayn is a direct result of the European policy of denial and racism. Those responsible for their death are in positions of power as German politicians. They have names, they are called Dobrindt or Merz.
On 10th of November 23:57 CET, the Alarm Phone sent an alert to Greek authorities, after we had received a call from the boat. It remained the only contact we ever had with the boat. This was about 15 hours before Frontex and the Hellenic coastguard arrived. The official statement of the Hellenic Coastguard says the refugees moved to the left side of the boat, causing it to take on water and capsize.
While 55 survivors were rescued, a total of six people have been found dead from that shipwreck. Three people were found on the same day, two more on November 18, when they were seen floating in the sea by passengers of a merchant ship, and another on November 20, when he was found on Grammenos beach in Paleochora. Among the dead were Maha and Zayn. The body of Haydar still remains missing.
We came into contact with people supporting the father some days later. He was searching desperately for his daughters. One of them created the “Mediterranean Lullaby” that gave space for this loss. Their wish was that they should never be forgotten, and that no more innocent people should lose their lives on a desperate voyage to a life of safety and dignity.
The Greek authorities – as usual – blame the shipwreck on two Sudanese refugees, whom they arrested as smugglers, while the real blame lies with the European policy of deterrence that forces people to risk their lives on dangerous sea-crossings. The politicians making these policy, who are the real ones responsible for this violence face no consequences.
The two girls who survived are still waiting to be allowed to join their father in Germany. The bodies of their deceased mother and brother will probably arrive there earlier than the children who are still alive. The family decided to bury them in Germany, so they can finally be near them at the place they tried so hard to reach.
We will never forget Maha, Haydar and Zayn. We will not forget them, nor the thousands whose lives have already been sacrificed to the violence of migration control.
“May the waves sing soft your names,
May the stars guide you to sleep —
For those the world refused to save,
The heavens gather up and keep.”
*******************
Lyrics of “Mediterranean Lullaby”
On November 12, 2025 a boat filled with refugees capsized 15 miles south of Gavdos (Greece) during a “rescue” operation of Frontex.
Maha Muhammad Al-Hasan (37), an Alawite mother from Al-Suqaylibiyya (Hama) escaping sectarian violence in Syria, and her two little kids Haydar (12) and Zayn (13) lost their lives. The body of Haydar never got found.
This song has been written in their memory and for all the innocent ones who lost their lives trying to escape persecution.
If you like our content please support:
#Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/BlueCrossSYR
#Buymeacoffee: buymeacoffee.com/BlueCrossSYR
Lyrics:
Maha held her children close,
Whispered, “Be brave, the night is long.”
Haydar dreamed of open skies,
Zayn hummed his father’s favorite song.
A fragile boat, a rising tide,
A hope too small to carry three—
Yet still they sailed for just one chance,
For breath, for love, for dignity.
Oh, the sea remembers every name,
But the world forgets too easily.
Where was the hand that should have reached?
Where was our shared humanity?
Is this the nobility your ancestors knew,
Or the shame we leave for our own?
Another family swallowed by the blue,
Another mother’s heart turned stone.
Little Haydar, only twelve,
Held his brother when the waves grew wild.
Thirteen years in Zayn’s small chest,
Yet courage larger than a child.
Maha prayed to silent skies,
To any soul who might still hear—
For those who flee the fires of hate
Should find a refuge, not despair.
Hospitality is a human duty,
Protection is an ancient vow.
“If the oppressed seek shelter with you,”
Our elders taught, “open your door now.”
But gates were closed, the world looked on—
Is this what we have come to be?
Shame on the heirs of noble kings,
Shame on those who would not see.
Oh, the sea remembers every name,
Keeps their stories in its endless sigh.
Maha, Haydar, Zayn—your light
Still burns beneath the darkest sky.
Humanity, where did your heart go?
What legacy do we carry on?
Even Alexander would weep tonight,
For all the honor that is gone.
May the waves sing soft your names,
May the stars guide you to sleep—
For those the world refused to save,
The heavens gather up and keep.
*********************
Article by Dimitris Agelidis in Efysn:
https://www.efsyn.gr/ellada/dikaiomata/492192_nanoyrisma-gia-toys-prosfyges-poy-hathikan-sta-nera-tis-gaydoy
