Al Jazeera Anchor and Journalist Jamil Azar Dies at a Advanced Age

Al Jazeera Mourns Loss of Longtime Anchor Jamil Azar

Jamil Azar, a veteran journalist who served as an anchor for Al Jazeera Arabic since its inception three decades ago, has passed away at the age of 89. Director-General Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal Al Thani released a statement on Sunday praising Azar’s contributions to the network.

Azar was described by Sheikh Nasser as a “distinguished linguist” and the author of Al Jazeera’s motto, “The opinion and the other opinion”. The director-general noted that Azar left behind a lasting media legacy, defined by integrity and excellence. He also highlighted Azar’s influence on generations of journalists who worked with him at Al Jazeera and other institutions.

Born in 1937 in al-Husn, Irbid, Jordan, Azar began his career in journalism at the BBC’s Arabic Service in 1965. He held various positions, including producing programmes such as Politics Between the Questioner and the Respondent and Arab Affairs in the British Press. In 1996, Azar joined Al Jazeera at its launch on July 30, serving as a news anchor and presenter.

Azar stepped down from Al Jazeera in 2011. The network has lost one of its most respected figures with his passing. Sheikh Nasser emphasized that Arab media has also lost a prominent figure.

Source: Al Jazeera