By Assem El-Kersh THE DEATH this week of , who was secretary-general of the Arab Journalists Union and senior political analyst at Al-Ahram, was a great loss to his colleagues, students and disciples, as well as to Arab journalism as a whole for which Hafez fought throughout his life. Hafez's passing was also a particular loss to Al-Ahram, the newspaper to which he dedicated almost half a century of his life. Hafez's sudden death at the age of 70 perhaps marks the closing of a golden chapter in the history of Egyptian journalism, all the more so given the campaigns he supported throughout his life for the freedom of the press and the lofty ideals of the profession. His passing is a cause of deep grief for all, especially at a time when the ideals that Hafez set out to guard with his life are now under threat. Indeed, with his passing we mourn a part of our own conscience, which now seems to be departing with him. We ask God to grant him mercy and to reward him for his devotion to a profession that offers few rewards commensurate with the sacrifices it demands. To his immediate family and loved ones we extend our deepest condolences. To members of his golden generation of journalists and members of the journalistic profession in Egypt and throughout the Arab world, it might best be said that while the loss of Hafez is great, his memory will continue to live as long as the ideals he fought for are kept alive.
