Born in Gaza, Taysir’s early life was shaped by conflict. As a young man he became involved in the Palestinian resistance movement and served as a sniper under Yasser Arafat. Violence and anger once defined his world.
He later immigrated to the United States, married, and began his career in the restaurant business. Nineteen years into marriage and family struggles, Taysir experienced a profound spiritual transformation when he came to believe in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, a turning point that completely changed the direction of his life.
From that point forward he dedicated his life to reconciliation and to the belief that peace in the Middle East must begin with changed hearts. He spent the rest of his years working toward that vision and encouraging understanding between people long divided by conflict.
He is survived by his son Ben Abu Saada, Ben’s wife Addie, and their daughters Carys Nogueres and Layla Abu Saada; and by his daughter Farah Marvil and her husband Joe Marvil, and their children Nina, Jaxon, and Zayn. He is also survived by his former wife, Karen Abu Saada, the mother of his children.
Private services will be held at Heartland Community Church in Bethel, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers and cards, the family requests that friends donate in honor of Tass to continue the work that was so close to his heart through Seeds of Hope (seedsofhope.org) and Hope of Peace Foundation (hopeofpeace.foundation).
