Matthew Travis Barber

The Nine Christian Martyrs Who Lost Their Lives in the Jordan Church Attack Nine Jordanian Christians were martyred in a deadly terrorist attack on St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hamoud, Karak Governorate, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Three armed men opened fire on mourners who had gathered for a funeral, turning a moment of prayer and farewell into a tragedy. The attack initially claimed the lives of seven martyrs, with two more victims later dying from their injuries, bringing the death toll to nine. Approximately 40 others were injured. Dr. Fadi Al-Halsa Dr. Fadi Al-Halsa was a young Jordanian dentist who had recently graduated from Alexandria University in Egypt in 2026. The only son of his parents, he was remembered by his professors and classmates for his kindness, good character, and dedication to his studies. After years of hard work, he had returned to Jordan to begin his dental career and build his future. Dr. Khaled Al-Halsa Known as the “Doctor of the Poor,” Dr. Khaled Al-Halsa was a beloved dentist in Karak, Jordan, remembered for his kindness and dedication to helping those in need. He frequently provided free dental treatment to the poor and would even cut his vacations short to return to his hometown and care for his patients. He was martyred during the terrorist attack after being shot in the head. Mazen Rasmi Al-Qusus Mazen Rasmi Al-Qusus was a Jordanian lawyer from Karak, remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, good character, and respectful treatment of others. His death brought grief to his family, friends, and the legal community in Jordan. He was among those wounded during the terrorist attack and later died from his injuries. Dr. Assem Barqan Dr. Assem Barqan was a father and Jordanian associate professor at Hashemite University who had pursued his studies in Poland. He was deeply devoted to his students and passionate about education. Out of his love for Jordan, he actively spoke in defense of his country and worked to contribute positively to its future. He cared deeply for his hometown of Karak, expressing his hope that it would overcome its hardships and remain strong through the efforts of its people. Ehab Nayef Al-Halsa Ehab Nayef Al-Halsa, affectionately known as “Abu William,” was a Jordanian from Karak, remembered by his friends and neighbors for his kindness, compassion, and good character. He was known for caring deeply about others and often spoke about the suffering of people around him. One acquaintance recalled that although he had known Ehab for only nine months, his kindness had left an unforgettable impression. Maher Al-Zureiqat Maher Al-Zureiqat was a Jordanian pharmacist who served as the pharmacist in charge at the Italian Hospital in Karak. He was remembered for his kindness, dedication to his profession, and the strong relationships he built with his colleagues and community. Throughout his career, he devoted himself to his work while striving to provide a dignified life for his family. Dr. Mohammed Al-Qusus Dr. Mohammed Al-Qusus was a Jordanian Christian dentist and one of the country’s longest-practicing dental professionals. Known for his kindness and generosity, he dedicated much of his life to helping those in need, often providing free dental treatment to patients who could not afford it. He served communities in Zarqa, Karak, and Amman. He was seriously wounded during the terrorist attack and later died from his injuries, becoming the ninth Christian martyr. Alaa Al-Masarweh Alaa Khalil Al-Masarweh was a Jordanian from Karak whose life was tragically cut short during the terrorist attack. His death brought deep sorrow to his family, friends, and loved ones, who mourned his loss alongside the wider Jordanian community. Marwan Al-Khitan Marwan Al-Khitan was a Jordanian Christian from Karak who was actively involved in politics and the public life of his country.