In a tragic and heart-wrenching turn of events, Suzanne Karkaba, a dedicated civil defense rescuer, was forced to identify the remains of her father, Ali Karkaba. She found her remains after an Israeli airstrike targeted a civil defense facility in the eastern Lebanese village of Douris, in the Bekaa Valley, on Thursday.
The airstrike, which struck the facility overnight, caused widespread devastation, leaving several first responders trapped under the rubble. Suzanne, who had worked alongside her father in humanitarian efforts, faced the unbearable task of identifying his remains in the aftermath of the attack—only fragments of his body were recoverable.
Identifying a Father by His Fingers
In a moment that captured both the tragedy and brutality of the ongoing conflict, Suzanne found herself identifying her father’s body by his fingers, a grim reminder of the war’s toll. As a civil defense officer, Ali had devoted his life to saving others, a commitment that ultimately led to his own death when the strike hit the very facility where he had worked to rescue those in need.
“Her father’s legacy, filled with courage and service, was tragically silenced in the same place where he had spent years saving lives,” said a colleague, reflecting on Ali’s unwavering dedication to his work.
Rushing Back to Help Fellow Responders
Despite her overwhelming grief, Suzanne did not hesitate. As a trained rescuer, she immediately returned to the devastated civil defense center to continue her search for other victims and first responders who might still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
With her recovery expertise, Suzanne resumed her duties, embodying the resilience of those who serve on the frontlines of disaster, even when the disaster has claimed their own.
A Heartbreaking Loss for the Civil Defense Community
The attack, which targeted a vital civil defense facility, has left the community in mourning. Civil defense officers, who play a crucial role in Lebanon’s response to conflict and emergencies, are facing profound loss.
