A new documentary from Al Jazeera examines the experiences of Ali Safiuddin, who leads the Civil Defence operations in Tyre, the largest city in southern Lebanon. The film, titled “The Ones We Couldn’t Save,” explores how Safiuddin has navigated a career spent rescuing civilians from collapsed buildings amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Though a ceasefire officially covers southern Lebanon, military operations continue along the so-called “Yellow Line,” a security zone Israel has established roughly 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory. Safiuddin describes conditions as “relatively normal” in Tyre itself, though surrounding municipalities remain subject to frequent strikes and shelling that keep his team engaged in rescue operations.
Safiuddin’s personal history is marked by tragedy that shapes his commitment to saving others. During the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, an Israeli strike on the Civil Defence building killed his one-year-old daughter, Lynn. He channels this loss into his work, viewing each life he saves as honoring her memory. His team has also suffered recent casualties, with three colleagues killed in an April strike while conducting rescue operations.
First responders in Lebanon face particular danger, with at least 135 killed since March according to UN figures. Safiuddin and his colleagues have adapted their procedures to account for the risk of secondary strikes targeting rescue workers. Despite these challenges, Safiuddin remains committed to his mission, stating he hopes the documentary will illuminate the realities of conflict for international audiences.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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