November 18, 2007
Ibrahim El-Hibri MEMORIAL
Fuad El-Hibri REMARKS
Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen, for attending my father’s memorial tonight. In the Middle East, it is customary to grieve for 40 days after the passing of a loved one. This is why we waited until now to hold the memorial for him. — This is the official reason — the practical reason is that we wanted to host the event at the El-Hibri Charitable Foundation here in this building — and as you can see, the building has been undergoing major renovation until Friday – a very close call.
Before we start, I would like to thank Rusty Squire for supervising the recent renovation of this building – also, Bob Smith, President and Zen Hunter-Ishikawa, Director of the Foundation, for managing the logistics for this event. Last but not least, I would like to thank my sister, Yasmine, for helping organize and coordinate this important event.
Tonight, we want to remember my father – we want to celebrate his life – we want to share stories. It has been almost three months, and we still cannot believe that he has moved on!
Tonight, we will have 7 speakers, friends and family members who have asked to make a few remarks in his honor. Since I was given the pleasure to welcome you all, I will start.
As many of you know, my father was an extraordinary man – a successful businessman, a devout Moslem, a generous philanthropist, a loving husband, a family patriarch. His generosity spanned a wide spectrum – from financial giving – to love, affection, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.
First, let me tell you about – My father as a successful businessman
He studied electrical engineering in Hanover, Germany as a young man. After 5 years of education, he joined Philips – at the time, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the world – to pursue a career which turned out to be a monumental success. Among his remarkable accomplishments:
1. He helped the Saudi Arabian government to build its first nationwide telecommunication network – the largest telecom contract ever signed in the world at that time.
2. He constructed the longest microwave link connecting the Sudan and Saudi Arabia – a deed commemorated by a stamp that was issued in Italy for this project.
3. He built the first GSM mobile network in Russia, now with over 20 million subscribers in the Moscow region alone.
There are many more… My father had an air about him that mesmerized people – he was bright, formal, respectful, elegant, and extremely charismatic.
He demanded the impossible and actually often succeeded in achieving the impossible. I witnessed meetings during which he had the power of conviction that left people reeling for many days.
His ability to persuade and persevere – was uncanny. He was decorated for extraordinary public service by the government of Germany, Lebanon, and Venezuela.
And now – My father as devout Moslem
My father gained his strength and energy from his belief in God. This spiritual foundation enabled him to consistently project a positive outlook on life and people – it was truly infectious. I have never seen him depressed or anything short of jovial and excited to be around his family and friends. My father believed in interfaith and the commonality of the three monolithic religions – stressing similarities rather than differences.
Bringing believers in one God together was one of his primary goals. He wanted to portray Islam in a manner that it deserves – in an objective, unbiased, and constructive way. As a believer, he put words into action – he purchased this building and started The El-Hibri Charitable Foundation with one of its main missions focused on interfaith education and integration.
And now – My father as a generous philanthropist
In addition to the Foundation, my father was a great supporter of orphans. He believed that no child should be left behind – well before our politicians came up with this slogan!
To provide shelter and a home, he constructed and dedicated a building in Beirut that can house, feed, and educate over 200 orphans.
Also, many friends and family members were able to earn advanced degrees from some of the best universities in the US and around the world because of his financial support. There are many other philanthropic deeds – too many to list them all. His generosity was endless – and his gifts kept on giving. His hospitality was boundless, warm, – and emanated deep from his heart.
And now – My father as a loving husband
At the tender age of 22, my father married the love of his life. It was love at first sight – or should I say bite! My father used to love giving us ever so gentle bites on our forearms when we were younger. The ultimate testimony of his steadfast love for my mother is 50 years of marriage. Always concerned for her well being, my father showered her with gifts, protected her from the less pleasant realities of this world, and allowed my mom to focus her undivided attention to our family. We children are the true beneficiaries of our father’s love and care for our wonderful mother.
And finally – My father as a family patriarch
As the head of our family, he was an exemplary father, a doting grandfather, a caring eldest brother. Very disciplined and principled in his way, he taught us well and always led by example.
He would light up – with a grin from ear to ear – when family would come to visit him, especially his grandchildren, which he adored so much.
When spending time with his family, he relaxed and radiated exuberance – these moments were clearly the climax of his life. And – he had a great sense of humor. My father, who spoke 7 languages fluently, was able to mimic characters from movies and real life – flawlessly. We would all burst out in laughter. One of his greatest pleasures, however, was watching Faiza, his then youngest granddaughter, perform. He was the first to recognize Faiza’s wonderful talent and skill in performing arts and theater. He would ask her to act over and over again – what joy he derived! His legacy continues with her. We miss him sorely.
There is so much more to share and many legacies left behind – but I must allow others to speak. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen – now I would like to ask Farouk Jabre, a dear friend of my father’s, to come to the podium.
Businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Y. El-Hibri passed away on August 23, 2007.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on September 8, 1936, Ibrahim became a successful telecommunications engineer and entrepreneur who built nationwide telecommunication networks in many countries around the world. In his later years, he focused on life sciences, supporting the development of life saving vaccines. Among numerous other accomplishments, Ibrahim received official decorations for extraordinary deeds from the Governments of Germany, Lebanon and Venezuela.
As an unwavering philanthropist, Ibrahim was tireless in his support of children and orphans in Lebanon and other parts of the world. His generosity, kindness, and commitment to these endeavors in the spirit of Islam will be sorely missed. The El-Hibri Charitable Foundation will carry on his legacy.
Ibrahim was the beloved husband of Liane El-Hibri and father of Fuad and Samir El-Hibri and Yasmine Gibellini. He had six grandchildren, whom he cherished and adored. He is also survived by his father, Yahia El-Hibri, two sisters, Dr. Azizah Al-Hibri and Dr. Huda Zoghbi, and two brothers, Dr. Jamal El-Hibri and Dr. Tayeb El-Hibri.
The traditional 4-day memorial service was held for him on November 18, 2007, during which his son, Fuad, delivered remarks about his father’s life and accomplishments.
Mr. El-Hibri was the very first subscriber to Al-Hewar Magazine back in 1989. We will remain forever grateful to Mr. El-Hibri for his ceaseless encouragement for our efforts over the years.
God bless his soul.
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