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Adel Matlabnejad: The brother who said he would be ‘right back,’ and never returned - interview

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Adel Matlabnejad, a 38-year-old from Ahvaz, Iran, is remembered by his brother as an honorable and compassionate man who dedicated his life to helping others.
  • He grew up without a father and began working at age 12, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a cheerful disposition despite hardships.
  • Adel was killed on January 9, and his family faced restrictions on his funeral, including being forced to sign an agreement limiting attendance and being denied a final viewing of his body.

Adel Matlabnejad, a 38-year-old from Ahvaz, Iran, is remembered by his brother as a man of honor and compassion who consistently helped those weaker than himself. His brother shared that Adel lived with dignity and left the world with honor, impacting everyone he met, "even his enemies would have found him willing to help them in their time of need."

I want the whole world to know that my brother was a noble and honorable man. He lived with dignity, and he left this world with absolute honor.

— Adel's brotherDescribing Adel's character and the impact of his death.

Shaped by hardship, Adel grew up without a father and started working at the young age of 12. His brother described him as tireless and hardworking, always wearing a smile, and finding joy in cheerful music. He was a man who carried life's burdens with resilience.

He always helped those who were weaker than himself in every way he possibly could. He was so kind and compassionate that everyone loved him, even his enemies would have found him willing to help them in their time of need.

— Adel's brotherIllustrating Adel's compassionate nature and willingness to help others.

On the evening of January 9, Adel left his mother's house with a simple "I'll be right back, and then I'll eat," but he never returned. His family received his body, but their grief was compounded by restrictions imposed on his funeral. They were forced to sign an agreement limiting attendance and were denied the chance to see him one last time as his body was already fully wrapped in a burial shroud. This denial remains a deep wound for the family.

He was an incredibly hardworking and tireless person who always wore a smile.

— Adel's brotherHighlighting Adel's work ethic and positive demeanor.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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