Before becoming a dazzling international entrepreneur and a titan of industry in France, before high official and political circles of several countries bowed before him, Iskandar Safa, affectionately nicknamed Sandy, was a man of deliberate modesty. He avoided the limelight, preferring quiet alleys over noisy fame. A loyal friend, he never forgot his childhood companions, whether in the streets of his neighborhood or the corridors of his school.

He was an exemplary family man, watching over his loved ones with devotion, passing on the values he inherited from his parents to his children. But he was more than just a successful businessman. A passionate art collector and generous philanthropist, he distributed kindness with a left hand unaware of what the right hand did. His mischievous spirit spared none of his friends, as his wit was irresistible.

From primary school, he stood out for his imposing stature, a figure that watched over his smaller peers. In high school, his interest in sports awakened, throwing the discus record distances before even reaching adulthood. Competitive sports faded over time, but his love for daily exercise persisted, a habit he cherished morning and evening. Every May, a hike to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa was a must, starting together but finishing a quarter of an hour ahead.

His love for sports led him to invest in a noble cause, presiding over the Lebanese Special Olympics Committee, allowing disabled athletes to shine at the Paralympic Games. The early loss of his father at the age of ten turned his mother into a maternal and paternal figure, an elder sister, a teacher, and a confidante.

These family and educational influences shaped his professional path after studying civil engineering at the American University of Beirut. His first professional steps took him to the docks of Baltimore before a journey to Saudi Arabia, then to Paris to earn a Master's in Business Administration from INSEAD. Remaining in Paris, he made his mark in history, accumulating achievements in France and around the world.

The 80s saw him acquire the CMN shipyards in Cherbourg, reviving the company and delivering ships to nations seeking naval reinforcement. From Cherbourg, his maritime activities spread to the UK, Germany, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates.

He also immersed himself in real estate, extending his influence in France, the UK, Italy, Lebanon, and the Dominican Republic, the homeland of his wife. His hotel projects were not left behind, with several establishments in France and Italy, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants, being the fruits of his commitment.

However, his fame truly blossomed due to his success in mediating the release of French hostages kidnapped in Lebanon in the 80s. A heroic act that left an indelible mark in France, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.

Despite his successes, trials emerged. Defamatory accusations of financial malpractice and lack of contracts for government work brought him before French justice. Years passed, but in 2007, justice completely exonerated him.

His confrontation with the Greek government became epic when he contested a contract before Parliament. With strong conviction, he won the battle at the European arbitration court.

A fourth, highly publicized case involved one of his executives, arrested in New York for corruption in Africa. Before the year was out, justice announced his complete acquittal.

In the end, what remains of all this? We have lost a dear man, a bright light of activity and a defender of principles, indifferent to false glories and quick profits. We have lost a generous benefactor, ready to lend a hand without asking for anything in return, a man for whom justice was not negotiable.

Personally, I have lost a friend with whom I shared years of study, separated by the paths of life, but who, at our reunions, made all distance disappear. As for Al-Safa, the loss is immense, but hope animates us, pushing us to realize the aspirations he instilled to make Al-Safa a beacon in the night of the Lebanese reality.

We offer our condolences to ourselves, to his wife Clara, and to his children Akram and Alejandro. Our thoughts also go to his brother Akram, his family, and we pray for the grace of patience and comfort to accompany his loved ones and friends.