Police search for missing dancer Ayman Safiah

Safiah was last seen on Sunday morning in the sea close to Neve Yam in Atlit.

Ayman Safiah (photo credit: Courtesy)
Ayman Safiah
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Police were conducting an expansive search Tuesday for renowned dancer and teacher Ayman Safiah. Safiah, who was last seen on Sunday morning in the sea close to Neve Yam in Atlit. Safiah, 29, was on a camping trip with friends and was last seen entering the water with two others.
When he and his friend were swimming, Safiah reportedly pushed his friend out of the water, but was unable to get out himself and was carried away, Ynet reported. 
 
Sharon Hadas, Head of the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company school in Gaaton, said that “he was incredibly talented.” 
“He had many identities: On the one hand he was an Arab-Muslim, on the other hand he was gay, a communist in his views and danced in Zionist companies,” Hadas added. 
 
“He always chose to be positive and appreciated the good people he worked with.”
Born and raised in Kfar Yasif, Safiah is an inspiring figure in the local dance community. He began dancing early and joined the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. Upon receiving a grant to study abroad, he relocated to London where he graduated from the prestigious Rambert Academy. He went on to perform in Cats on the West End in London and with the Belgian troupe les ballet C de la B.
Safiah returned to Israel and began teaching and performing. He established a summer course in Haifa and presented his own creations.
During the lockdown period, Safiah posted a number of videos of himself dancing at home.