12 October 2026 

Rosemary Heenan/ Ireland: Early Childhood Regional Network Fund 

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your friend and colleague. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Thinking of you all.

Dr. Hiro Yoshikawa/ USA: Courtney Sale Ross Professor of Globalization and Education and University Professor Department of Applied Psychology 

What a generous, wise and jovial presence Youssef was. I feel very lucky to have interacted with him with Ghassan, the Arab Resource Collective (ARC) and in some other contexts. I am so deeply saddened to hear of his passing and profound condolences to his family. 

Ellen Meredith/ USA: Doctor of Arts, EEMAP – AP, teacher and writer  

I am deeply saddened to hear of Youssef’s passing. I hope Judith’s spirit was there to greet him. He was such a clear, grounded, wise, and visionary colleague. Both Judith and I treasured his participation in the CG and his friendship! 

Deepa Grover/ UAE: Senior ECD Advisor in the Director General’s office, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority    

Very sad to learn that our community has lost a distinguished ECD stalwart. I remember being struck by Youssef’s deep commitment to child rights when I first met him at a CG meeting. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace and light.