President Amine Gemayel:

A star has extinguished with the passing of Sandy, a person full of life who overcame adversity.

He was the man for all challenges. He surmounted mountains of obstacles and conquered them with courage.

A good friend, always available to help and ease the pain in tough times.

Sandy was a man of faith and a good patriot who, despite being physically distant from the country, from Lebanon, always remained attentive to its needs, devoted to its cause.

He will remain in the minds and hearts of all those who knew him.

President of the Maronite League, Ambassador Khalil Karam:

Alexandre Adib SAFA: the epitome of Maronitism.

A classmate and long-time friend, Alexandre Safa leaves us too soon.

This exceptional man, through his actions and discretion, will leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to have known him.

A brilliant industrialist, a savvy art collector, and a benefactor to numerous causes, he embodied the very essence of Maronitism in its most noble and generous form.

May God receive him.

Mohammed Nasser, founder of the Lebanese Special Olympics Committee:

Fifty years ago, I met my brother Iskandar. He was more than a comrade; he was a true friend, a fellow traveler on the paths of sports.

As a champion among Lebanon's heroes in sports arenas, he proudly represented Lebanon in regional and international competitions.

As a man, I discovered in him remarkable humility, a generosity that won the hearts of all those who crossed his path.

His charitable hand was involved in many humanitarian actions. For over a decade, he chaired the Board of Directors of the Lebanese Special Olympics, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the development of sports activities for people with disabilities. His qualities and support greatly contributed to the success of the Lebanese Special Olympics.

His departure creates an immense void, a space that no one can fill.

Special Olympics president and managing director Ayman Abdel Wahab

With sincere condolences, Special Olympics Middle East and North Africa mourns the passing of Lebanese businessman and SO Lebanon Chairman Iskandar Safa.

His departure, after a prolonged illness at the age of sixty-eight, is deeply felt by all of us.

Safa played a pivotal role in leading Special Olympics Lebanon and he was also a co-founder of the esteemed digital newspaper 'Al-Safa' in Lebanon. Born in Jounieh in 1955, Safa pursued education at the Sacred Heart School of Marist Brothers in Jounieh and the Marist Brothers School in Chantilly. Holding a degree in Civil Engineering from the American University of Beirut, he later earned a Master's in Business Administration from the prestigious INSEAD Institute in Paris. Beyond his business ventures, Safa was recognized as one of Lebanon's distinguished champions in track and field. His legacy, spanning both business and sports, will forever be cherished.

Gilbert Mitri - Classmate:

Neither space, nor distance, nor time could disturb our camaraderie locked in this locker I would have always found you on this school bench Sandy And the '73 gang will still seek the wonderful boy you were whose glory, fortune, nor magnanimity could veil the generosity of heart, the fervor for life you imparted to those around you.

But prematurely, was it late for you, you would say?

You wanted to take flight, withdraw discreetly, ascend to the heights...

Rest in peace dear friend.

Ziad Doumit - Classmate:

Iskandar,

You conquered every battle until yesterday, your last fights waged with patience and faith.

Silent until the last breath, for fear of imposing a burden on us.

Today, facing the Infinite, you whisper: "Thank you, Lord, for every burden You entrusted to me. May I have carried them with dignity."

To us, your admirers, you recite fragments from the book of Prophet Gibran in a farewell, declaring: "The wind commands me to leave, and though I am not as hasty, I am compelled to obey. Ready for the journey, for the time has come, greatness welcomes its son into its embrace once more."

Farewell, farewell.

Kaissar Abi Lamaa - Classmate:

Sandy,

From the school bench to our recent reunions, more than sixty years have woven a friendship stronger than ever, and a deeper love with my lifelong accomplice, who, like me, lost his father too early and became deeply attached to his dear mother. A friendship expressed in support for the only brother, in academic perseverance, and in tireless devotion to work.

I salute your brilliance in many areas, never falling into stubbornness towards others, with a continuous and elevated interest in them, and a constant humility-tinged assistance, making you the object of admiration for all.

Your premature departure confirms the inexorable nature of adding time to life, but you managed to add life to our time.

My tears will dry, but your memory will remain.

I will not forget you, but I will play the role of oblivion.