George Shukri Saliba

Due to the war in 1948, they fled to the family’s ancestral village of Jifna then settled in his mother’s hometown of Ramallah. It was there in Ramallah that George would grow up from the age of 10 years old. He completed his studies and later taught at the Friends Boys’ School. He became a beloved teacher and soccer coach. During these years, he was recognized for his wonderful singing voice which he used at the Greek Orthodox Church in Ramallah.

In 1965, George married Naimeh Saliba. In 1966, he received a visa and emigrated to the United States. He settled in the DC area near his brother Isa Saliba. A year later, he was joined by his wife and saw his first-born son, Shukri, for the first time.

George and his family soon began attending the recently formed Arabic Baptist Church in DC. Once again, he was recognized for his beautiful voice and was a fixture in the church choir and a regular soloist at church services and wedding ceremonies. George’s rendition of “El Yom” (an Orthodox hymn about Jesus’ death on the cross) moved people to tears at every Good Friday service. He used his gift of beautiful Arabic script writing by incorporating it into the stained glass at the church. He worshiped, fellowshipped, and sang at the Arabic Baptist Church in DC and Manassas, VA for over 50 years.

In order to support his growing family in his new country George worked multiple jobs. Following in his brother Isa’s footsteps, George became a master barber and worked as a barber for over 45 years until he retired in 2015.

George loved playing and watching sports. In Ramallah, he loved playing ping pong because the loser would buy the winner a piece of knafeh (his favorite dessert). George ate a lot of free knafeh. George was an enthusiastic fan of all DC sports teams and was thrilled to celebrate their championships.

One of his talents was playing his classic Oud (lute) guitar, which he did with pure joy. In his retirement, George loved to read, listen to hymns and color beautiful art designs. He enjoyed signing and gifting these pictures to family and friends.

George was known for his quiet, gentle, and compassionate personality which endeared him to all who knew him. He dearly loved his family and relatives and was always willing to help them in a time of crisis or need. His steadfast faith was example to all to follow Jesus.

George is survived by his wife of 60 years Naimeh, son Shukri (Jouhayna), Nader, Shady (Caroline) and grandchildren Elayna, George, Sophia and Noah and many nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by his siblings: Isa, Fuad, Jamileh and Georgette.

George will be laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Arabic Baptist Church of Washington DC (abcdc.org or PayPal: arabicbaptistchurch@abcdc1965) or Health Outreach to the Middle East (Homeforhim.org)

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.