Kuwait, 14 August 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Faisal Alhashash at the age of 49, the most significant financial supporter of     E-V22 haplogroup research.

From the very early days of E-V22 research, Faisal had been funding hundreds of Y-DNA tests out of his own pocket, identifying and testing individuals with a high potential of belonging to E-V22. Thanks to his extraordinary commitment, the number of tested individuals eventually grew into the thousands.

He strategically focused on populations from regions with particularly high potential for E-V22, including Syria, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates. However, his testing efforts also uncovered E-V22 lineages scattered across Europe and even as far away as China. Over the years, he also sponsored tests in more distant regions, including Indonesia.

As recently as the beginning of this year, his efforts led to the discovery of a basal E-V22 lineage in Aleppo, Syria, which also resulted in the identification of a previously unknown SNP downstream of E-V22.

Faisal passed away unexpectedly, although he had been struggling with illness for some time. His loss leaves an immense void among all those whose paths crossed with his, particularly within the genetic genealogy community and among the many researchers and contributors dedicated to E-V22.

His contribution to our understanding of this haplogroup was extraordinary. Much of what we know today about the geographical distribution and diversity of E-V22 is, in part, thanks to his generosity, dedication, and vision.

Rest in Peace, Faisal.

May your light continue to inspire everyone who carries E-V22 research in their heart, and may your family find strength and peace during this difficult time.