9 October 2026 

Rita Karam/ Lebanon: Co-founder of ANECD, Advisory Board Member, and Secretary General of the Higher Council for Childhood, Ministry of Social Affairs

Goodbye Dr. Youssef Hajjar… Hoping for a third reunion…

It is with profound sadness and sorrow that I bid farewell today to Dr. Youssef Hajjar, the human being, the professor, and the friend who left an indelible mark on me and on all who knew him. I first met Dr. Youssef when I was studying at the University of Victoria in Canada. He was the only person who spoke Arabic, and his presence brought a sense of home to me. He was a distinguished professor, presenting his material with passion and eagerness, captivating us with his knowledge, experience, and exceptional ability to convey information.

Years passed, and after some thirteen years, life brought us together again at ANECD. I could not believe I was meeting my mentor again that day, but this time, I had become the Secretary-General of the Higher Council for Childhood at the Ministry of Social Affairs in Lebanon. We met again around a cause we both believed in: Arab childhood.

Dr. Youssef remained as I had always known him: a kind, loving, and humble man spreading joy wherever he went. With his smile, his beautiful spirit, and even his songs, he eased the burdens of our lives in our homelands and created an atmosphere of warmth and love among everyone.

As for his knowledge and experience, they were a school in themselves. The knowledge and experience he offered deserve to be taught and remain a reference for future generations.

Today, not only ANECD loses a dear person, but Arab childhood also loses a great scientific and humanitarian figure.

Dr. Youssef, we will miss your presence among us, your smile, your knowledge, and your songs that filled the hall with joy. Life first brought us together at a distant university in Canada, and then again thirteen years later in the service of children in our Arab region.

Today I bid you farewell, hoping for a third meeting, but this time in heaven.

Goodbye, my teacher. Goodbye, Dr. Youssef. May God bless your kind soul. Your memory will remain forever in our hearts and minds.