In a world often marked by conflict, the story of Ali Safiuddin exemplifies resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. As the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, Lebanon, he navigates the harsh realities of a region impacted by ongoing violence, yet remains dedicated to saving lives and maintaining hope in his community. His experiences, chronicled in the film “The Ones We Couldn’t Save,” shine a light on the human spirit’s capacity to endure and inspire, even amid the gravest challenges.
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Ali Safiuddin serves as the head of the Civil Defence in Tyre, Lebanon, where he has distinguished himself through a career dedicated to rescuing civilians from the rubble of conflict and loss. Despite southern Lebanon being officially marked by a ceasefire, the shadow of violence looms large, particularly along the “Yellow Line”—the security boundary claimed by Israel—which remains a site of frequent bombings and shelling.
“I feel that my daughter, my daughter’s soul, is with me,” said Safiuddin, reflecting on a profound personal loss that continues to motivate his life-saving work. In June, he described the circumstances in Tyre as “relatively normal,” indicating that while direct Israeli strikes on the city have decreased, the war persists in the areas that border this contentious military zone.
His harrowing journey vividly illustrates the cost of conflict. During the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, Safiuddin brought his wife and one-year-old daughter, Lynn, to a shelter he believed would be safe. Tragically, Israeli airstrikes on the building claimed the life of his daughter, an experience that has left an indelible mark on his psyche. The loss serves as a potent reminder of why he continues to work tirelessly to save others, channeling his grief into a commitment to humanitarian service.
Safiuddin’s story gained poignant expression through the short film “The Ones We Couldn’t Save,” produced by ZezapTV. The film highlights one of his notable rescues—a poignant moment following the devastating Beirut explosion in 2020, where he worked tirelessly for 18 hours to save a 14-year-old girl trapped under three floors of debris. He reflected on this rescue, noting that if his daughter had lived, she would be the same age.
His dedication extends to his team, whom he considers family. With the recent entry of his 18-year-old son, Husein, into the Civil Defence, Safiuddin embraces a legacy of service and brotherhood. “Every one of them spent years with me. They lived beside me. I was not merely their station chief; I was their father,” he remarked, underscoring the deep bond shared within the team.
Despite a reduction in Israeli attacks north of the “Yellow Line,” the recent history remains grim. An Israeli double-tap strike on April 28 killed three members of Safiuddin’s team during a rescue operation—an act reflective of the danger faced by first responders, who are often targeted as they arrive at the scene of airstrikes, resulting in at least 135 fatalities among healthcare workers since early March, according to the United Nations.
In response to these challenges, the Civil Defence has modified its operational protocols to ensure team safety, often deploying ambulances in a two-vehicle system to mitigate risks during rescues. The camaraderie formed in the face of adversity is critical; Safiuddin emphasized the importance of a collective mission, stating, “We have a pact—if anyone dies before the other, we will keep them alive through our mission.”
As preparations for potential escalations continue, Safiuddin reflects on the urgent need to rebuild and reinforce the Civil Defence center that has previously been a target. His resolve remains unshaken: “Whatever the circumstances, we’re ready… I hope that things will not escalate, but whenever duty calls, we will fulfill it.”
“I no longer have any fear. I have no fear of war. If I give up on this work, it’s like I’m giving up on my daughter,” he concluded, encapsulating the profound courage and commitment that define his role in the ongoing struggle for peace and safety in Lebanon.
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