Ibrahim Al-Fitouri

Overnight, my life turned upside down. Everyone I loved was buried under rubble, and the land of Derna, which I cherished, became their grave. I couldn’t tell if I was awake or trapped in a horrifying nightmare.

My name is Ibrahim Al-Fitouri, a civil activist and a member of the Libyan Youth Hostels Association.

I was born and raised in Derna, specifically in the Rafi’ neighborhood near the valley. I was with my parents when I came to know of a leadership training camp in Zuwara. My mother initially refused due to my upcoming exams, but after persistent persuasion and my father’s support, she agreed.

My colleagues and I arrived at the camp and that night, we heard about heavy rains in Derna. I kept calling my family for reassurance and they comforted me and then suddenly, I lost contact with them. Fear consumed me, especially when I heard about the rising water levels.

I couldn’t sleep all night. By morning, the news of the dam collapse shattered me. We rushed to the affected areas. When I reached Derna, I was devastated. My entire neighborhood was gone. The flood had carried our building into the sea.

My mind couldn’t grasp it. I knew my family was gone. I searched desperately for their bodies but found nothing. Overwhelmed by sorrow, I wept endlessly. But I realized grief wouldn’t change anything.

I joined humanitarian relief teams, distributing drinking water, clearing roads and cleaning homes. Slowly, life began to return to the city.

The pain still lingers, but the support of my friends eases it. I persuaded my studies and earlier this year, I was sent to perform Umrah for my family by the organization. By God’s will, I also performed Hajj and I fulfilled my parents’ dream by recently graduating in economics.

Today, I work on projects that ensure basic human rights during disastrous periods. My experience has taught me the true value of human rights, more than ever.