Meet the Jabara Family

The Jabara family immigrated from Lebanon to Oklahoma in 1984 in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future for their children. Like many immigrant families, they built a life grounded in hard work, close family ties, and a deep appreciation for community. Oklahoma became home, a place where the family put down roots, built businesses, and raised their children with strong values shaped by both their Lebanese heritage and their American experience.

On August 12, 2016, Khalid Jabara lost his life to Islamophobic hate and fear. He was shot outside his family home by a neighbor who had terrorized the family for years. Khalid was 37 years old, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his sense of humor and his unfailing devotion to his family.

Khalid had his whole life ahead of him. He was a kind spirit with a big heart, someone who cared deeply for his family, his friends, and even people he didn’t know. He created every Jabara family joke and filled their lives with love and laughter. All of that was taken away by a hateful man and a system that failed to protect him and the community.