Parents Carl and Marcia Moller, grieving the loss of their daughter Kayla, an American aid worker murdered by ISIS, have penned a heartfelt letter to President Donald Trump. In this letter, they urge him to take advantage of an upcoming meeting with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa to negotiate the return of Kayla’s remains, almost a decade after her tragic death.
The letter, shared only with selected media outlets, was sent just days prior to al-Sharaa’s first visit to Washington since he took over leadership following Assad’s regime. The Mollers described this meeting as a significant chance to conclude one of the most painful episodes of the Syrian conflict.
In memory of Kayla
Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old humanitarian from Arizona, was kidnapped by ISIS while helping Syrian refugees near the Turkish border in 2013. It’s reported that she was held captive and, sadly, lost her life at the hands of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2015, yet her body has never been found.
The family’s letter reflects on Operation Kayla Mueller, initiated by Trump in 2019, which ultimately resulted in the death of al-Baghdadi in northern Syria. The Mollers had previously stood alongside Trump at the 2020 Republican National Convention, commending him for delivering justice against such overwhelming evil.
They note that since the overthrow of Assad, the political landscape in Syria has shifted significantly. They acknowledged the improving regional cooperation in the effort to find their daughter, mentioning Representative Abe Hamadeh of Arizona, who made a trip to Damascus advocating for Kayla’s return.
In a statement, Hamadeh mentioned the oath he took with Kayla’s Bible in hand, promising to do everything possible to bring her home. He echoed the Mollers’ sentiments, expressing the importance of ensuring that Kayla’s legacy, one of hope and light in dark times, continues.
The Mollers assert that with the Assad regime now fallen, new leadership presents a fresh opportunity to resolve the mystery surrounding Americans still unaccounted for in Syria. In their letter, they expressed their belief that under Trump’s leadership, the hope that Kayla represented can be revived.
As they concluded their message, the Mollers emphasized that Trump’s meeting should spark hope in Syria. They feel that bringing Kayla’s remains back would not only bring solace to their family but also resonate deeply with all Americans. They remain steadfast in their dedication to bringing Kayla home, seeing this moment as a reaffirmation of America’s commitment to its values.
