My 21 month-old son Fouad and I were trapped under rubble for more than half an hour before being rescued. We have no idea where the rescuers took him, or which hospital he was sent to. We searched through all the hospitals, and even among the bodies in the morgue, but we found nothing.
Nafin Abu Al-Jidyan: My son started vomiting and had a high fever. I didn't think it was anything serious, but then he wouldn’t wake up, breastfeed, or move. He remained like this for two weeks until they suspected he might have a serious disease. A fortnight later, I was told he had polio.
Khadra Al-Qad: I was displaced in 1948, and even then, I didn’t see anything like this, not during the Intifada either. We’re being treated like animals, yet even animals are given some value. We are human beings with emotions. Why are we being made to endure this? Is this what war is? War has never been like this.
Baseem Al-Habal: My hearing is about fifty percent, and with my hearing aids, I can catch the sound of the bombings. I’m deeply afraid for my family. My daughter cries often, and I do my best to comfort her, holding her close, taking her for walks, or giving her toys to cheer her up. Somehow, life just goes on.
