Raja Ibrahim Hawit

Dr. Raja Hawit, surrounded by his family, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 29, at age 87.

Dr. Hawit was born on December 1, 1938 into a world that taught him early the value of simplicity, discipline, and hard work.

He attended college and medical school at the American University of Beirut and then completed his pediatric residency at the University of Iowa. He completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology at Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C. At just 29 years old, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University, becoming the youngest physician to hold the position at that time.

In 1973, guided by a deep desire to serve, Dr. Hawit moved his family to Calvert County and started a pediatric private practice, becoming the first board-certified physician of any specialty to serve in that community. He founded the Department of Pediatrics at Calvert Memorial Hospital and served the families of Calvert County for 47 years, caring for generations of children.

Dr. Hawit’s Christian faith was central to his life. He served his church body as a deacon, elder, and many other roles for decades. He was a co-founder of a nonprofit humanitarian organization, Health Outreach to the Middle East (H.O.M.E.), whose mission is to offer physical and spiritual healing to people in need.

Married to his beloved wife, Alice, for 54 years, together they built a home grounded in faith and devotion to God. Dr. Hawit was a husband, father, mentor, healer, role model, and friend. His core values never wavered: trust the Lord, be honest, respect everyone regardless of status, and live a life of love and service. He leaves behind a legacy measured by lives healed, families comforted, and a community forever changed by his compassion.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Alice; his cherished children, Roula, Faris, and Nader; his beloved daughters-in-law, Camille and Sophia; and his five treasured grandchildren, Luke, Nolan, Samuel, Lucine, and Talar, whose lives were a source of great joy and pride.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arabic Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. in memory of Dr. Hawit. Memorial gifts can be made online at:

https://arabicbaptistdc.churchtrac.com/give/