It is with the deepest, profoundest sadness that The Next Century Foundation has to report the death yesterday of Ali Abu Afash, a close friend and NCF member and volunteer.
Ali passed away on Wednesday 13th of August in an explosion in Beit Lahiya, north of Gaza. The cause of the explosion, a piece of ordinance from the recent fighting that detonated. AP Journalist Simone Camilli, three others were also killed in the blast. Another four were injured.
Ali Abu Afash was a core member of the Gaza Centre for Media Freedom, an organisation that contributes to the development of Palestinian journalists in Gaza through training and development and the provision of financial and logistical aid.
A huge personality, Ali touched all of those that he met. Ali spent his time training young journalists and campaigning on the plight of journalists in Gaza. During the recent bombardment of Gaza he worked tirelessly assisting journalists in their coverage of the conflict.
Always happy, welcoming and optimistic, whatever the situation, the tight-knit journalistic community in Gaza will be mourning a huge loss.
Ali 36, is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 6.
Loved by all, Ali Abu Afash, one of the world's most wonderful and gentle men, will be sorely missed.
This dear man, Ali Abu Afash, was the fifteenth journalist to be killed in the current round of fighting. God grant that there will be no more.
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The Next Century Foundation has been raising money for Gaza Centre for Media Freedom and the families of journalists killed. If you would like to contribute please donate here
