Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) has shared the sad news that Ilia Salita passed away Monday morning from cancer. Ilia was 52.

After graduating from Moscow State University, Ilia started his career in academia before moving into philanthropy, ultimately serving as president and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group, where he led a significant and highly regarded expansion of the foundation’s work. His leadership touched the lives of countless people across three continents, inspiring the young and supporting the most vulnerable among us.

Ilia is survived by his wife, Irina, his two sons, Joshua and Robert and his father, Mikhail.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jewish Studies Department at Moscow State University (MSU). As an alumnus, Ilia took great pride in the fact that his alma mater in Moscow now has a Jewish Studies Department. The Jewish Funders Network is coordinating this memorial fund.

Baruch dayan ha’emet. May his memory be a blessing.