Salem Issa is not merely an artist who illuminates the stage or enriches hearts through creativity. He is a human being who illuminates the lives of those around him through generosity, loyalty, and patience.
Souad Khalil | Libya
When we think of an artist, our minds often turn first to their works and creative achievements. Yet what distinguishes certain individuals is the humanity that precedes their art.
Salem Issa is one of those rare people whose generosity extends far beyond artistic creativity, making him a living example of kindness, loyalty, and perseverance.
In these pages, I write about Salem Issa as I have known him: about our shared journeys, the human moments that reveal the depth of his character, and the inner strength that makes him a rare model of both artist and human being.
I have known Salem Issa for more than fifty years. Throughout these decades, a warm friendship and human bond has connected us, allowing me to see him not only as a talented artist but as an exceptional person distinguished by generosity, sincerity, and selflessness. This testimony is not merely an account of his artistic career; it is an attempt to document the essence of his humanity, which has been present in every encounter and every experience.
Artistic Career and Achievements
In the field of art, Salem Issa possesses a rich professional record filled with accomplishments and honors. He has participated in local, Arab, and international festivals and has held several important positions, including Director of the Office of the Chairman of the General Authority for Information and Culture, Director of the Office of the Head of the Ministry of Culture’s Eastern Region Bureau, Director of the Minister of Culture and Arts’ Office, and Executive Director of the Comedy Theatre Festival. He later became the Honorary President of the Derna Al-Zahra Festival.
These positions and recognitions reflect the appreciation others have for his talent and competence, yet they reveal only part of his true character.
Humanity in Dealing with Others
The human side of Salem appears most clearly in his personal relationships. He is open-hearted, and his hand is always extended to help others. He never tires of supporting those who seek his assistance and never hesitates to sacrifice his time or comfort for the sake of others.
I personally witnessed this side of him during many journeys we shared while participating in theatre events in Cairo, Tunisia, Jordan, Syria, and throughout Libya. In every trip, Salem Issa was a supportive presence, a guide, and a sincere companion who shared with us moments of joy, exhaustion, and success, making every experience unforgettable.
Friendship and Loyalty
His loyal friendship with the late artist Saleh Al-Abyad remains one of the finest examples of his noble character. Salem left behind his work and family to accompany Saleh on treatment journeys to Tunisia and China, remaining by his side until his final moments.
Such friendship and loyalty cannot be measured by words but by silent actions that reveal the nobility of character and the sincerity of affection.
Facing Illness and Continuing to Give
Even when he faced a serious illness, Salem endured a difficult physical and spiritual trial. Yet he never turned his suffering into a narrative of pain or personal drama.
The years he had spent helping others, offering support, and extending a helping hand seemed to become a source of spiritual strength in confronting illness. He recovered, regained his health, and returned to his creative work, practicing art as he always had: as an act of life, a mission, and a form of giving without expectation of reward.
Steadfastness in the Face of Ingratitude and Loss
What deeply impressed me is that despite all the kindness he offered to many people, some responded with ingratitude. Yet he never allowed resentment to take root within him. He never permitted disappointment in others to alter his character or his path.
He remained the same generous and genuine person, convinced that goodness is measured not by the reactions it receives but by the sincerity of intention and the continuity of giving.
Even after the tragic martyrdom of his son at the hands of terrorist groups, Salem never sought personal gain or public attention through his loss. He never transformed his grief into a slogan or a means of emotional influence. Instead, he chose dignity as his path and patience as his language, continuing his humanitarian and artistic work quietly and faithfully.
Family Bonds
My relationship with Salem Issa has never been limited to work or art. Over the years, it evolved into a genuine family bond.
He knows my family and my children and treats them with deep affection and respect. They regard him as one of their closest relatives and receive from him the same warmth and care that I have always witnessed.
For my part, I hold for him a respect and affection that have only grown stronger with time. This family dimension reflects the nobility of his character and adds another layer of humanity that makes my testimony more sincere and meaningful.
The Union of Art and Humanity
Salem Issa is a rare example of a person who combines artistic excellence with human compassion.
Even in the highest positions he held, he never linked success or authority to social status. Instead, he used every position as a means of serving others and supporting those in need. He was an efficient administrator and a dedicated professional, yet at the same time he remained close to people, sincere in his dealings, and humble in every aspect of life.
Resilience and the Continuity of Giving
His humanity is also reflected in his simplicity, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his continued generosity despite sorrow, loss, and illness.
He is living proof that art is not merely talent or a professional career; it is the reflection of a personality capable of touching the hearts of others. Humanity, in the end, is the true measure of success—not fame, recognition, or material gain.
A Personal Testimony
When I write about Salem Issa, I am not writing about an ordinary artist. I am writing about a man who made his life a message, his generosity a bridge between people, and his friendship a lasting example of loyalty.
He traveled with us, stood beside us in theatres, shared our successes and hardships, and throughout it all remained far removed from self-glorification or the pursuit of fame.
He is a symbol of loyalty, generosity, dignity, and moral strength.
Speaking about Salem Issa is not merely speaking about artistic achievements, theatrical roles, or official positions. It is speaking about humanity in its highest form, about a noble heart capable of continuous giving despite pain, and about an inner strength that remains unbroken in the face of hardship or ingratitude.
He stands as living proof that a person can be great before being an artist, and that moral character can remain luminous even in the darkest circumstances.
Salem Issa teaches us an important lesson: art without humanity may fade, and humanity without art may remain silent. But when art and humanity come together in one person, they create an influence that transcends time and place and leaves an enduring mark on every heart it touches.
In conclusion, I can say that Salem Issa is not merely an artist who illuminates the stage or enriches hearts through creativity. He is a human being who illuminates the lives of those around him through generosity, loyalty, and patience.
This article is my testimony to a remarkable individual whom I have known closely—someone whose heart was never poisoned by circumstances and whose spirit was never changed by pain. Instead, hardship made him stronger and more giving.
He teaches us that humanity is the true essence of life and that sincere generosity and genuine loyalty are what preserve a person’s memory far more than any title or achievement.
He is a living example proving that a true artist is one who plants goodness before seeking fame and leaves a lasting mark in people’s hearts before leaving one on pages or stages.
Through this testimony, I hope readers will feel what I have felt and draw from this human journey a lesson in patience, generosity, and loyalty.
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Souad Khalil, hailing from Benghazi Libya, is a writer, poet, and translator. She has been writing on culture, literature and other general topics.
