Georges Frem

George Frem, who passed away in May after a valiant battle with illness, will be remembered as an astute businessman, a pioneering Lebanese industrialist, a philanthropist, and a political idealist. Many have written about the business empire he created, but few have talked about the man behind it. It is very difficult for me to write this piece with any degree of detachment as his family are dear friends. What was striking about George Frem was the personal involvement and passion he put into everything he did. He put people first, not only in his business ventures, but also in his family life, where he always kept a firm focus on solidifying the unity of the family and its business interests. Another laudable trait of this most generous and low-profile man was his modesty and sense of identity. He was a genuine patriot and when he was appointed Minister of