DR. FUAD Muakkassa (1914-2000)
unwavering support for Beit al-Yateem stemmed from his own experience of losing his father at a young age. Raised by a compassionate mother who taught him the value of giving, Dr. Muakkassa dedicated his life to helping orphaned children. Dr. Fuad was a proud graduate of The American University of Beirut Medical School in 1943. Early in his medical career, he donated his entire first salary to the orphanage, a commitment he upheld with regular monthly contributions throughout his life. In recognition of his generosity, a building at the orphanage was named in his honor.
Dr. Muakkassa’s compassion extended beyond orphans to his Druze community and all those in need. He offered a free clinic day for marginalized individuals and worked for over 20 years in Kuwait, where he earned the respect of many for his selfless care.
His legacy lives on through his children, who followed his example by donating their first salaries to the orphanage and continuing regular support. In addition, Dr. Muakkassa’s dedication to orphans was solidified with the founding of the Druze Orphans and Charitable Organization (DOCO) in the U.S.
After his passing in 2000, donations in his memory funded the creation of the infirmary at Beit al-Yateem, which now bears his name. His children continue his work, expanding the infirmary to serve more orphans in need.
Mrs. Afifi Assaf Masri
shared her sister Aniseh’s lifelong commitment to serving Druze orphans. After many years as an educator and school principal, she moved to Liberia, Africa, where she helped her husband run a successful business while continuing to fundraise regularly for Beit al-Yateem. In the early 1970s, the couple retired to California to be closer to family, but Mrs. Masri’s dedication to the orphanage remained steadfast.
In 1985, she founded "Babies of the Druze Community in America," encouraging parents of newborn Druze children to donate to Beit al-Yateem in honor of their child’s birth, an initiative that quickly gained popularity. Mrs. Masri remained an active fundraiser for over 50 years, raising more than $500,000 for the orphanage.
Her dream of ensuring the continued support of Druze orphans was realized through her role in helping establish the Druze Orphans & Charitable Organization (DOCO), with the blessings of Beit al-Yateem in Lebanon.
ANISEH ASSAF (1908-2002)
dedicated her life to serving Druze orphans, starting with her volunteer work to establish the Druze orphanages in Abey in 1941 and Swaida, Syria, in 1948 under the leadership of the late Aref Nakadi. She worked tirelessly for over fifty years, offering love and support to the children at Beit al-Yateem, many of whom called her “mother.” Her duties included visiting orphans, managing accounts, purchasing daily necessities, teaching, and fundraising around the globe. Her name became synonymous with the orphanage.
In the mid-1980s, Ms. Assaf moved to the United States to be closer to family. She became an active member of the Druze Society in California, supporting the local Cultural Center and attending conventions nationwide. Though she was honored many times, she was happiest when receiving donations for the orphans. Even as she aged and could no longer travel, she remained dedicated to Beit al-Yateem’s future.
In 1999, with the support of her sister, Mrs. Afifi Masri, cousin Dr. Fuad Muakkassa, and others, Ms. Assaf helped establish the Druze Orphans and Charitable Organization (DOCO) in the U.S. to ensure continued support for the orphanage.
In her memory, the “Aniseh Assaf” Library was established at Beit al-Yateem, funded by over $25,000 in donations collected through DOCO. Through her efforts, Ms. Assaf ensured Beit al-Yateem’s ongoing mission to provide orphans with a loving and nurturing environment. Her legacy remains an inspiration for generations to come.
However, the story does not end there; Dr. Muakkassa’s six children have followed his example, donating their first salaries to the orphanage and continuing to make donations regularly. Dr. Muakkassa’s resolve to help this institution was strengthened by the founding of the Druze Orphans and Charitable Organization (DOCO) in the United States. Dr. Muakkassa passed away in 2000. Donations in his memory helped to fund the infirmary at Beit al-Yateem, which now carries his name. Dr. Muakkassa’s children have undertaken the task to fund and expand the infirmary in line with Dr. Muakkassa’s legacy of healing the sick.
Dr. Kamel Muakkassa (1949-2012)
a compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon, passed away at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his community and the medical field. Known for his zest for life and generosity, he was a loving husband to Rola Mansour for 27 years and a proud father and grandfather, imparting his humor, compassion, and love of life to his family. Beyond medicine, he excelled in numerous pursuits, including bridge, golf, music, and travel, always eager to share his talents with those around him.
Dr. Muakkassa served his community for over 27 years as the Primary Founder, President, and CEO of The Center for Neuro and Spine Inc. (CNS) and as the former Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Akron, Ohio. His commitment to advancing medical care was evident in his groundbreaking work, performing over 8,000 surgeries, including pioneering procedures such as anterior cervical diskectomy and awake epilepsy surgery. He co-founded the Akron General Neuroscience Institute in 2011, furthering research and treatment for brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders.
Born in Lebanon, Dr. Muakkassa completed his medical education at The American University of Beirut and his training in surgery and neurosurgery in the U.S. and Canada. He remained deeply connected to his Lebanese roots, working on establishing a Neuro-Science Center in southern Lebanon, sponsored by Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, despite challenges posed by regional instability. His unwavering commitment to the Lebanese and American communities reflected his passion for serving others and his intense dedication to the Druze community.
Dr. Muakkassa’s contributions to medicine and philanthropy were recognized with a tribute in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in his memory, donations were made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Druze Orphans in Lebanon. A music room at Beit al-Yateem was also named in his honor, solidifying his legacy of care, compassion, and service.
Dr. Farid Muakkassa (1949-2012)
a distinguished physician at Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CCAG) ) in Akron, Ohio, is deeply committed to both his profession and his Druze heritage, especially in supporting the Druze community and its orphanage, a cause close to his family’s heart. Dr. Muakkassa's leadership was pivotal in CCAG becoming the first American College of Surgeons verified Level 1 Trauma Center in Summit County in addition to he establishment of the hospital's first Surgical Intensive Care Unit.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Muakkassa has been an active leader in the medical community. As a Professor of Clinical Surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), he has held numerous key roles in administration as Chief of Trauma Surgery in addition to teaching medical students, residents and fellows.
Dr. Muakkassa’s work has earned him the prestigious “Distinguished Physician Award” at CCAG, and his research contributions are vast, with over 60 national and international presentations, more than 40 peer-reviewed research publications, and four textbook chapters. He is board-certified in General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, and Neurocritical Care.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Dr. Muakkassa completed his medical studies at the American University of Beirut. He continued his training in surgery in the U.S..For his services to the Lebanese community, he has been officially recognized by John Kasich and Mary Taylor, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio, The City of Cleveland, the Senator of Ohio Kenny Yuko, the United States Senator Rob Portman and US Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Throughout his career, Dr. Muakkassa has continued his family’s legacy of service to the Druze community and Beit al-Yateem, ensuring the orphanage's lasting impact and care for generations to come.
Dr. Sahar Muakkassa
was born and raised in a traditional Druze family, where she developed a profound spiritual connection and intellectual curiosity from a young age. Her dedication to the Druze faith led her to study its scriptures, fostering a deep understanding of its teachings. Alongside her scholarly pursuit, Dr. Muakkassa spent countless hours researching and expressing her thoughts through prose and poetry.
As a thinker, poet, philosopher, and author, Dr. Muakkassa dedicated her life to sharing her knowledge of the Druze faith with the world. She traveled extensively, lecturing on its interpretations and engaging in academic discussions. Her works include several published books, articles, and presentations at international conferences, making her a respected authority on Druze thought and spirituality.
Dr. Muakkassa’s commitment to the Druze community was resolute, particularly in her tireless efforts to support and serve Druze communities across the Middle East. As the President of the Druze Research & Publications Institute, she played a key role in advancing the cultural and spiritual understanding of the Druze people. She also dedicated herself to the Druze Orphans & Charitable Organization (DOCO), where, as Chief Editor and Assistant Treasurer, she worked relentlessly to improve the lives of Druze orphans and support families in need.
Beyond her charitable work, Dr. Muakkassa was a passionate advocate for the Druze community’s rights and recognition. She served as an Advisor to the Delegation of Lebanon to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and held influential positions within the American Druze Society, including Executive Director, National Treasurer, Chief Editor, and Secretary of the Board. Through these roles, she demonstrated her deep commitment to preserving the Druze heritage and advancing the welfare of Druze communities locally and internationally.
Dr. Sahar Fuad Muakkassa passed away in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication to her faith, community, and tireless efforts to make the world a better place for future generations.
Dr. Rima Muakkassa
immigrated to Los Angeles, California, early on. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California (USC), specializing in polymer and nonlinear optics. After more than 25 years in the field, Rima pursued a new challenge by obtaining an Executive MBA from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and earning an Executive Nonprofit Certificate. Her excellence in academics and leadership was recognized when she was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society, and received the prestigious EMBA Leadership Award for maintaining a perfect GPA.
Rima's dedication to service spans multiple sectors, with a strong emphasis on supporting the Druze community. She has been actively involved in the American Druze Society (ADS) for over 35 years, holding numerous leadership roles, including National President. Through her tireless efforts, Rima has advanced the mission of ADS, advocating for the Druze community and its heritage. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by ADS in 2019. Additionally,
Rima has served the Druze Orphans and Charitable Organization (DOCO), providing invaluable support to orphaned children and their families domestically and abroad.
Her leadership extends beyond the Druze community. Rima served as president of the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Women’s Board and as a member of The Cleveland Clinic and Regional Hospital Combined Board of Trustees. She also held the role of Treasurer for the Ohio State Medical Association Alliance and is a past president of the Summit County Medical Alliance. Her involvement in the Rotary Club of Akron, where she served as a board member and Foundation board member, and her current role as Vice President of Global Ties Akron further reflect her commitment to community service.
Rima’s work is characterized by her commitment to advancing humanitarian causes, supporting education, and empowering local and international communities. Her legacy is one of service, leadership, and compassion, as she continues to positively impact those around her, especially within the Druze community and beyond.