It was during a conference in Heidelberg that I learned of the sudden and unexpected news of the passing away of Fouad Thakeb. His untimely death shocked and saddened me to say the least and all who knew him.
With the loss of Fouad Thakeb, Egypt and the Arab world lost a dedicated hepatologist, a true scientist who carried out his job with passion and rigor.
Fouadfs dedication extended beyond the borders of Egypt. Presiding over two of the most prominent chapter associations dealing with liver diseases - The African Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AFASLD) and the Egyptian Association for the Study of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases (EASGLD) and as President Elect of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (IASL), Fouad was a pioneer of hepatology in Egypt and the region. His numerous studies demonstrate this.
The IASL 2006 will not be like other IASL meetings. Fouad will not be with us but his enthusiasm, dynamism, and outstanding contribution to the organization and promotion of IASL 2006, which he strived hard to achieve will always be remembered and appreciated. Without Fouadfs concerted efforts this meeting would have never taken place in Egypt.
For those of you who were not fortunate to know him Fouad was a great friend, a most generous host and a loving husband and father. His memory will always remain with us and his contribution to the scientific world will always be remembered.
As the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the IASL/AFASLD 2006 meeting it is my personal wish that this meeting be dedicated to the memory of a dear friend and a great hepatologist.
gFouad, rest assured that the IASL 2006 meeting is as you would have liked it to be and more. May you rest in peace and may God bless your soulh.