On February 1, 2025, at the age of 85, we lost the remarkable writer-satirist Valeriy Isaakovich Khait.

His life was closely linked to Odessa, literature, and humor.

A renowned author, journalist, playwright, and TV host, he was known as:
- vice president of the Worldwide Club of Odessa Residents since 1990;
- one of the founders of the Odessa Humor Festival;
- editor-in-chief of the humorous magazine «Fontan»;
- creator and host of the show «Fontan-Club» on the 1+1 channel;
- captain of legendary KVN teams from Odessa;
- winner of literary awards and organizer of publications showcasing Odessa humor;
- initiator of the establishment of the Odessa International Literary Prize named after Isaac Babel and the erection of a monument to the writer.

The Odessa City Council expresses its sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the talented Odessa writer, whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of Odessites.