Lebanon, along with the fields of journalism and media, bid farewell today, Saturday, to the prominent journalist and publisher of Al-Safir newspaper, the late Talal Salman, who passed away after a battle with illness at the age of nearly eighty-five.
The funeral procession began this morning, Saturday, from in front of the American University Hospital in Beirut, stopping for a time in front of the Al-Safir building before continuing towards the late journalist's hometown in Shamsatar, Baalbek, where farewell ceremonies were held. Talal Salman left us at the age of 85, dismounting the horse of letters that he skillfully wielded, directing attention towards issues of truth and humanity. He departed as "the voice of those who have no voice," in Arab lands and beyond. We waited for decades for his articles "On the Road" with our morning coffee, which infused determination and resilience in us and refined our ability for the art of subtle writing. "Abu Ahmad" passed away, the owner of the "Al-Safir" school known for its unique style across all fields.
Talal may have left this world physically, but his spirit—yearning for freedom, deeply rooted in the earth, towering towards hoped-for glory, and leaning on our authentic heritage—will remain radiant, illuminating the paths of the challenging profession that carries the issues, concerns, thoughts, hopes, and aspirations of the people. Rest easy, O Dean of noble journalism, for many who draw from the ink of dignity, honor, and pride learned from your writings.
A memorial service was held for the late figure of Lebanese and Arab journalism in his hometown of Shamsatar, attended by representatives of various officials, including parliament speaker Nabih Berri, ministers from the caretaker government, and numerous political and media figures.
Sheikh Ali Khafif spoke, saying: "How can I offer condolences to you, the family of the free word, and the free men, the cherished loss of the nation's free causes? Is there any consolation for this significant loss other than patience?" He noted that Talal spoke truths in the face of tyranny when merchants of words and traders of issues sold their integrity to money and the tyranny of wealth.
He affirmed that the country will remain greater than all its exploiters, returning to its rightful place as a homeland for all its children, a country of citizenship and not sectarian merchants. He concluded with, "Your loss cannot be compensated, Abu Ahmad; you are alive, both in life and in spirit, for people like you do not die."
Ahmed Talal Salman, the late journalist's son, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that his father "clung to love for people, fighting injustice and striving for truth." He recounted how his father faced hardships along his journey with love for people from all backgrounds, stating that he never hesitated to confront injustice, even when it threatened his life.
He concluded, "Today, the time has come to depart amidst exile and injustice, but you will remain alive in everything akin to you and your people; the road remains long and arduous. Despite the heavy loss, we still have the words you planted within us over the decades."
Sheikh Khafif led the prayers over the body, which was buried in the beloved land of Shamsatar.
