The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) offered its sincere condolences to the family and friends of late Syrian director and actor Hatem Ali who passed away in Egypt on Tuesday. A number of SOC members paid tribute to Ali in comments they published on Twitter as they offered condolences to his family, friends, every free director and actor as well as to the Syrian people.
SOC’s President Nasr Al-Hariri tweeted: “We pay tribute to the great actor, Syrian director Hatem Ali whose works left behind an influential footprint. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Anas Abdah, wrote: “Hatem’s death is a loss to art and the spirit of renewal. The sorrow that the Syrian people express today is the clearest evidence of the impact that Hatim Ali left on the conscience of all Syrians. He belonged to a people who loves creativity and excellence. Art is one form of revolution.”
Co-chair of the Constitutional Committee, Hadi Al-Bahra, described Ali’s works as committed to and benefiting from the historical narrative to correct the intellectual and moral system of our society. He also said that Ali stood with what is right and did not support or appease injustice.
Head of the Syrian Interim Government, Abdurrahman Mustafa, said that Hatem Ali touched the hearts of the people with his artistic message and personal stances. He said that Ali refused to support the murderous Assad regime in its war against the Syrians and used to have honorable stances.
Member of the SOC’s political committee, Abdul Majid Barakat, asked: “Who will direct our Alienation in its Four Seasons; awaken the justice of Omar in us; and bring down The Kings of the Sects?” He added: “May God have mercy on you, Hatem Ali. You were a shining example of the creative, sincere man who never flattered tyrants.”
SOC’s member Fatih Hassoun also paid tribute to Ali. “We still remember your wonderful work ‘The Palestinian Alienation.’ We have never thought that we would taste something bitter than this plight. Many years ago you said that Syria was not well, that its people are suffering a real tragedy, that the smell of blood wafts in the streets, that you have never imagined that Syria would see this bloodshed, and that what was happening made you worried about the people.”
SOC’s member Zakaria Malahifji said that Hatem Ali was the best Syrian film and television director, citing some of Ali’s most important and immortal works such as the Palestinian Alienation, Salah al-Din, and Cordoba Spring.
Hatem Ali refused to curry favor with the Assad regime or side with it against the Syrian people, with the regime’s Artists Association dismissing from the Association. After leaving Syria to his voluntary exile in Canada, Ali frequently travelled to Egypt on business trips. He died of a heart attack at the age of 58. (Source: SOC’s Media Department)
