A dad and leading figure in Liverpool's Muslim community has died after a short illness.
Abdul Razak Mossa, chair of the Liverpool Arabic Centre and former senior manager of adult social care at Careline, died after a short illness this morning.
Tributes to Abdul, known locally as Razak, poured in from colleagues and friends who spoke fondly of the community activist - who dedicated his life to promoting cohesion in the city.
In a message, Abdul's son Haitham shared the sad news, he said: "It is with deep sadness that I have to post this to you all today.
"As you may or may not know my dad has been very ill and with great sadness I have to let you know he passed away this morning after a short illness.
"He was a wonderful father, husband and my best friend."
Razak, who was born in Yemen, came to Liverpool nearly 35 years ago to study electrical engineering at University of Liverpool.
While studying, he helped students and families around Granby with translations, soon discovering his passion for supporting others to thrive.
Although initially planning to stay in Liverpool just for his studies, he met his wife in the city and settled down to start a family.
Razak became an assistant social worker at Liverpool City Council in 1993, working in a range of hospitals and care settings across the city, a role from which he progressed to becoming the well-respected and much-loved head of adult social care within Careline at Liverpool Council.
Razak retired last year on health grounds, and spoke recently on social media of his ongoing health battles, thanking friends and colleagues for their many well wishes, Razak said at the time he was "overwhelmed with the sea of emotions and kind thoughts shared."
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As part of Razak's extensive community outreach work with the Liverpool Arabic Centre, based at the Tiber Project on Lodge Lane in Toxteth, he was also involved in the Liverpool Arabic Supplementary School, the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival and the Intergenerational Club at Harthill Youth Centre.
Razak was a huge Liverpool FC fan, a season ticket holder, who would often be found cheering on his favourite team at Anfield with his son. He spoke earlier this year to the ECHO about his pride at seeing fellow Muslim Mo Salah achieve stardom in the city.
Razak also spoke of his pride at seeing students from the Liverpool Arabic Supplementary School elected as young mayors, recently taking part in the young mayoral elections, a first in the country for a supplementary school.
Tributes have poured in on social media, including from local councillors and former MPs, speaking of a "pillar of his community" who has touched the lives of so many in the city.
Councillor Gary Millar said:"Sad to learn today that Abdul Razak Mossa, Chair of Liverpool Arabic Centre and “who has made Arab culture part of Liverpool life” has died. Razak did many great things for this city including working until last year as a senior manager at Liverpool Council's Careline"
Former Riverside MP Louise Ellman said: "Very sad to hear Abdul Razak Mossa has passed away. I worked closely with him when I was Riverside MP. He cared deeply about the community. A wonderful man. Deepest sympathy to Razak’s family"
Fomer councillor and cabinet member for housing Frank Hont said: "Sincere condolences to the family of Abdul Razak Mossa an extremely helpful colleague who I first met through the Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival ( LAAF ). Always ready to give me advice on community cohesion issues."
Mo Maghazachi said: "This is heartbreaking, a lovely man who was a pillar of his community. Was fortunate enough to work with him on projects on Lodge Lane. RIP Abdul Razak Mossa."
Poet and activist Amina Atiq said: "I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news Abdul Razak Mossa passed away this morning.
"He was very passionate about the young people in our city and made sure he played a role in making a difference in their lives. He was a mentor and a best friend.
"It's a sad day for Liverpool."
