Help Zainab Overcome Tragic Loss of Ali

Ali Al-Baaj, the son of Zainab and Mohammed Al-Baaj was truly a light of happiness throughout this world. I am Samerah Almomani and I have been best friends with Zainab for over 20 years. I have watched Alooshi grow up and consider him along with his family an extension of my own family. On Thursday, we received a tragic call stating that Ali was lost in the water at Holmes Lake. We rushed to the scene and waited anxiously, praying for good news. The search and rescue team found him an hour later and broke the most heartbreaking and horrific news a mother could ever hear. Ali Al-Baaj was no longer with us. He was 16 years old and so full of life. This year, he was supposed to start his junior year at North Star High School and was so excited to graduate and attend college. His ambitions were high and his character radiated positivity. Ali truly brought a smile to everyone who he met and made an impact on our community. The funeral was held yesterday and over 100 people showed up to honor his life. Ali is survived by his family whom he lived with. His mother dedicated her entire life and soul to creating his happiness. Zainab is one of the sweetest most kind hearted individuals I have ever met. She has dedicated her career to serve underprivileged individuals and refugees and ensures that everyone she comes in contact with is taken care of one way or another through her community based worked. Zainab is my sister and needs support from us as a community. Madison S. Set up this fundraiser to help Zainab and will distribute all funds. There are financial burdens that have come up as a result of this tragedy and we would like to get Ali a beautiful headstone or bench in his memory, we need assistance with this and would greatly appreciate it if you could donate. Thank you so much, with love from the Almomani-Omari-Swenson family.