Carrying Palestine in Their Hearts Always

The Legacy of Husniyeh and Abed Kouttainay

Abed and Husniyeh Kouttainay lived a full life. They found home and family away from home – always and forever Palestine. For those of us who knew them, we loved their company, hospitality, generosity, inspiring stories and their lovely sense of humor.

Husniyeh loved her work, her beautiful house in Lynwood, and her community. She tirelessly baked her delicious ajweh cookies to fundraise for Palestinian causes. Abed found joy in his long journey, his garden, and speaking his mind in the company of his old friends. Husniyeh was sweet, courageous and dazzled with her laugh. Abed was adventurous, funny and sometimes cantankerous.

Palestine and Palestinians were always in their hearts. The pain and injustice of the occupation and exile never forgotten. Abed never made it back home. He passed away in Amman after a battle with cancer. Husniyeh peacefully passed away in Palestine with her family where she wanted to be as her memory faded away.

In their passing, they wanted their life savings to serve those they cared about the most: their big Palestinian family. We love and miss you Husniyeh and Abed.

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The couple left Anera a generous bequest in their will. Their memories live on through their support of our projects that benefit Palestinians.