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26 Sep 2014

Homage from ESCWA Executive Secretary to Sayyed Hani Fahs, Guardian of the Vulnerable and Champion of Righteousness, Justice and the Palestinian Cause

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He was the staunch guardian of values and principles; a highly exemplary and principled person. He carried high the torch of compassion as a symbol of his doctrine, faith and beliefs. He relentlessly defended the rights of the vulnerable and the oppressed, and tirelessly struggled for long-overdue justice for Palestine. Sheikh Hani Fahs, a Lebanese intellectual and scholar, has passed away at a time when troubles and darkness envelop the Arab world. He departed with a clear conscience, after having paved the way with a life dedicated to revival and progress, ever confident that the Arab world will once again enjoy peace and prosperity, despite current hardships. Sheikh Fahs was a pillar and beacon of Arab intellect. His ideas span the diverse cultures and civilizations of the world. His enlightened thought and foresight could not be subdued, blossoming forth in a world torn apart by extremism and violence. He was an advocate of diversity and national unity; and a valued friend and adviser to ESCWA. He assisted in the preparation of the ESCWA report entitled “Arab Integration: A 21st Century Development Imperative”, published in 2013, which he enriched with his guidance; in addition to many other United Nations reports on human development in the Arab region. He also contributed his wisdom, vision and objectivity to the first drafts of an ESCWA report entitled “The Arab World in 2025”, which will be published next year. He integrated the different branches of science and produced seminal work in jurisprudence, politics, women’s issues and history, approaching each from an ethical perspective. ESCWA will always remember his visit with the children from the Farah al-Ata’ organization, in whom he had sown the seeds of hope for a prosperous future. He worked untiringly to instil the values of unity and solidarity, eradicate division and discord, and combat discrimination and intolerance. Mr. Fahs’ captivating personality will never be forgotten. His intellectual legacy is a point of reference and a shining example for all. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him, which will continue to grow with time. Today, and every day, we shall miss Mr. Fahs’ radiant face and gentle voice that fought ignorance and insularity. His noble message called for the triumph of wisdom and dialogue as engines driving the Arab world towards peace, security and freedom for all its citizens, far from dependency and defeat. He will remain with us always.
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