The world of journalism and media, not just in Lebanon but across the region, is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Giselle Khoury, a fellow journalist and the wife of the late martyr Samir Kassir, passed away at the American University Hospital in Beirut after a courageous battle with cancer.
Giselle Khoury’s life and work were inextricably linked to the legacy of her husband, journalist, and historian Samir Kassir, who was tragically assassinated on June 2, 2005. In the wake of this devastating loss, Giselle Khoury embarked on a mission to preserve his memory and uphold the values he held dear. On February 1, 2006, she founded the Samir Kassir Foundation, a platform dedicated to advancing media and cultural freedoms in the Arab Levant. Over the years, the foundation evolved into one of the most prominent regional institutions for monitoring violations against media and cultural freedoms, supporting independent voices, and championing the principles of free expression.
Giselle Khoury’s dedication to the cause of press freedom extended beyond national borders. In 2006, she played a pivotal role in urging the European Union to establish the Samir Kassir Prize for Press Freedom. Her tireless advocacy work earned her a place on the Board of Directors of the World Forum for Media Development between 2016 and 2020, as well as a role on the jury for the Guillermo Cano Prize for Press Freedom, awarded by UNESCO. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the French Order of Arts and Letters with the rank of Officer in 2012 and the French Legion of Honor with the rank of Knight in 2019.
Khoury’s illustrious professional career commenced in 1986 at the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation. Over the years, she became known for her ability to engage with some of the most prominent Arab and international political and cultural figures through her program, “The Dialogue of a Lifetime,” which ran from 1992 to 2001. In 2002, she joined the MBC group and played a key role in launching the “Al Arabiya” channel. Her contributions continued as she hosted the “Bel Arabi” program between 2003 and 2013.
In 2013, Giselle Khoury took her talents to the BBC Arabic channel, where she delved into pivotal moments in contemporary history with the “Al-Mashhad” program. Later, she joined the “Sky News Arabia” channel in 2020, introducing a new era of talk shows with her program, “With Giselle.” Her innovative and diverse approach was celebrated by audiences far and wide.
As a testament to her commitment to storytelling, Giselle Khoury also ventured into documentary production, creating powerful films about prominent Arab political figures. Alongside journalist and ambassador Sahar Baasiri, she co-founded the “Rawi” documentary production company, leaving a lasting mark on the world of media.
Giselle Khoury’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, and her indomitable spirit will be remembered as an inspiration for generations to come. Her unwavering dedication to the cause of media freedom and free expression has left an indelible legacy on the region and beyond.