Forgive Me, Mother: The Testimony of Rifaat Radwan

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

On March 23rd, 2024, a massacre unfolded in Rafah.

The Israeli army's elite Golani Brigade was deployed under chilling orders:

“Everyone you encounter is an enemy. If you spot a figure, open fire, eliminate, and move on.”

These chilling orders were given to soldiers before the attack. And it wasn’t until a mobile phone—belonging to a slain Palestinian paramedic—was recovered that the truth could no longer be buried.

That phone belonged to Rifaat Radwan, a volunteer with the Palestinian Red Crescent. His final moments were recorded in a video that shattered the false narrative Israel initially offered to justify the killings.

In the recording, Rifaat is heard reciting the Muslim prayers of the dying. He knew his life was ending.

But Rifaat’s last words weren’t political. They weren’t angry.

They were for his mother.

“Forgive me, mother. Forgive me. I chose this path to help people.”

A Martyr of Mercy

Rifaat Radwan died helping others. He ran toward danger, not away from it. He gave everything—not for fame, not for gain—but for the sacred calling to protect life amid destruction.

“The situation in Gaza will haunt us for decades. Because no one will be able to say we weren’t aware. All the information is available. The images are there.” — Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross

Indeed, the images are there—streamed from the phones of the living and the dead. What is unfolding in Gaza is not hidden. It is documented, broadcast, and replayed in real time.

The Weight of Grief, the Echo of Honor

That Rifaat felt he had to apologize in his final moments speaks volumes about the world we now inhabit.

He knew his death would break his mother's heart. And even though he died doing something noble, something selfless—he still asked for her forgiveness.

Because when the world fails its people… When justice is denied… When silence becomes complicity… Even the righteous feel they must apologize for answering the call.

Let This Be His Memorial

This is Rifaat Radwan’s lived testimony—a legacy of compassion, courage, and sacrificial love.

He should not have had to say “Forgive me.” The world should have said “Thank you.”

Let his name be remembered. Let his story be told. Let his memory be a fire that softens hearts and strengthens resolve.

Let his sacrifice pierce the conscience of the world.

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