Al-Shabaka mourns the passing of its Board Member and Policy Advisor Victor Kashkoush on 31 May 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Victor joined the Board in 2011 shortly after the organization was founded, bringing a wealth of institution-building skills at a critical time and making a valued contribution. He continued to provide advice and support even when his health was failing.

Victor gained extensive knowledge of Palestinian institutions and sustainable development as director general of the Welfare Association, the largest independent Palestinian development organization, a position he assumed between 1994 and 2000, having first served as director of programs. He later set up a management consultancy, but continued to serve the Association as a member of the Board of Trustees, becoming Board Secretary from 2005 until his death.

In recent years, Victor dedicated much of his enthusiasm, passion and skills to the Welfare Association’s project for a Palestinian Museum, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in 2014.

He will be remembered for his unfailing commitment to the cause of justice, his sharp intelligence, his generosity to his friends, and his creative suggestions to overcome obstacles. His passing is a great loss to all those who loved him and to the Palestinian people. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.