Abdallah El-Yafi

His ethical behavior in public service is cited as an example in the official civic education high-school textbooks as well as in the graduation of law students.

In 1923, Abdallah El-Yafi enrolled in a PhD program at La Sorbonne University in Paris, France from which he graduated in 1926.

He was known for organizing political demonstrations and giving fiery speeches, which once led to his arrest by the French Authorities only to be released a couple of days later.

Abdallah El-Yafi is the first Arab to receive a PhD from the Sorbonne University, where he wrote his thesis about women's rights in Islam.

Drawing from Quranic decrees and Islamic principles, he made a case about how women are supposed to be allotted more rights in society.

Abdallah El-Yafi was known to be a man of strong and correct principles [citation needed], who believed that the empowerment of women was crucial for building a stronger society, equality providing a steadier base.

On 1 August 1937, in Damascus, Abdallah El-Yafi married Hind El-Azm, a Damascene from one of the most prominent political families in Syria.

As the tension rose, Abdallah El-Yafi decided to step down famously stating "I will not sacrifice my friend for a parliamentary position".

In 1947, Abdallah El-Yafi was appointed, alongside future president of the Republic Camille Chamoun, to the Lebanese delegation to the UN that voted against the division of Palestine.

In the civic education classes in Lebanese schools, students are taught a lesson on honesty and honor through the story of Abdallah El-Yafi whose integrity was constantly cited as an example for all young people in Lebanon: Abdallah El-Yafi was a young lawyer in October 1938, when then Lebanese President Emile Edde asked him to form a new government.

French Mandate of Lebanon
French Mandate of Lebanon
Lebanese Republic
Lebanese Republic