Canadian man killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon
· Toronto Sun
A Windsor man was killed on his horse farm in southern Lebanon during Israeli airstrikes last week, his family said.
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Hassan Haidar, 38, was in Lebanon caring for horses on his family farm, when he was killed trying to save another man during a drone attack last Thursday, his brother Mohamad Hussain Haidar said Monday at a news conference outside of Windsor City Hall.
The married father of five was on the phone with his wife when he heard cries for help from a man who worked on his farm, his brother said. When Hassan went out to assist the man who had been shot by a drone, he was shot in the head and killed, Mohamad said.
Hassan had been in Lebanon since November, moving his wife and kids to a safer place in the country, but staying behind to tend to his horses, his brother said.
He was a ‘kind man,’ sister says
Hassan’s sister Fatima said her parents immigrated with her and their six siblings to Canada 20 years ago from Lebanon, looking to escape the armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah at the time.
“Our brother Hassan (is) the second born in this family, a very social, kind man, educated. He’s a mechanical engineer,” she said. “Myself and Hussein and Hassan were only a year apart in age. We grew up inseparable.”
She said Hassan was an animal lover who had dreamed of owning the biggest horse farm in Lebanon.
“My brother died in the facility around his home, still on his private property trying to save another human being,” she said.
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Officials condemn Israeli strikes
Windsor MPP Lisa Gretzky shared her condolences to Hassan’s family in a Facebook post last Friday.
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the loss of Hassan Haidar, a Windsor husband, father and member of our community, who was senselessly killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon,” Gretzky wrote.
“My thoughts are with his wife, his five children and all those who loved him as they face an unimaginable loss. Not a single family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.
“I strictly condemn the violence that continues to take innocent lives and I join our community in mourning and calling for peace.”
Consular assistance offered to family
In a statement on Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she was made aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in southern Lebanon and extended her condolences to his family.
“Global Affairs Canada officials are in touch with his family to offer consular assistance as needed,” she wrote on X .
“Canada firmly supports the Lebanese government’s efforts to restore and exercise full state authority, including through the disarmament of Hezbollah. We call on Israel to cease its attacks and encourage Israel and Lebanon to reach a durable, diplomatic solution to end the conflict.”
— With files from The Canadian Press.