Ali Ibrahim al-Zein, born in the Southern village of Shohour, on 25 March 1970, is a father of 4 children who took a significant decision in the year Lebanon achieved its first and foremost victory.

Aka "Ahed" (Arabic for pledge), Ali was martyred on 23 May 2000, two days only before the "Israeli" enemy withdrew its forces from Lebanon. He remains to be a beacon in the life of his family and friends.

At the age of 5, Ali had left Lebanon to Kuwait with his family, where his father made the living. He enjoyed a luxurious life there with his parents and 7 siblings. Being the youngest among his brothers and sisters, he was loved and spoilt by all family members. Still, this did not prevent him from completing his religious duties. He was bright and eloquent, as described by his parents. In 1984, the al-Zein family returned to Beirut. While pursuing his education, he joined the resistance and was enthusiastic to be part of it. He was aware of the choice he had made.

Finishing his high school, he started working in trade, and was in charge of training young men in the resistance, as it fought a tough battle against the "Israeli" occupation.  In 1992, Ali got married, and after one year his first baby "Hussein" saw light. Ali, aka Ahed was famous for his good manners, patience, and kindness. Ali, along with the rest of the young resistance men had been struggling to defend South Lebanon for years, until the year 2000 had arrived. 

On 20 May 2000, the Lebanese displaced villagers entered the South along with the resistance men, particularly from al-Ghanduriyeh village heading to al-Qantara. For three consecutive days, the eyes of the young resistance men had not known sleep. On 23 May, during the liberation process, Ali was martyred when an "Israeli" warplane targeted his car, at the time his almost two-year old daughter of a triplet said "daddy" for the first time.
Ali, like many other martyrs, gave up his life in this world to defend the homeland and allow people live in dignity and safety. The martyrs gifted their souls to their families, neighbors and fellow brothers, securing a better life within the folds of a country that enjoys sovereignty rather than occupation.

On the occasion of the Resistance and Liberation day, moqawama.org interviewed Ali's sister, wife, daughter, and mother. Each of them had her own say recalling Ali the brother, husband, father, son. To all of them, Ali was an ideal and a friend...

Source: moqawama.org