It is with sadness that we mark the passing of one of the leading scientists of the Arab region, Dr. Antoine Zahlan, who died last night in Beirut. His depth and breadth of knowledge covered an enormous range of expertise (see his Al-Shabaka bio here.)

While the world will remember his contributions to science and planning, his family and friends will remember his generosity of spirit and his willingness to make time for and open his home to those who needed his assistance to review books, write essays, or help to establish the nascent think tank that is now Al-Shabaka.

Tony, as he is known to his friends, was one of the first members of our network, and encouraged any and all initiatives that bore the promise of bringing justice to the Palestinian people, to the Arab region, and beyond. Tony’s sister-in-law Grace Said is a co-founder of Al-Shabaka.

Our hearts and thoughts are with his family.