“As I stepped toward the shop door, a bright flash like an enormous bolt of lightning shot through the mall, and immediately after it a thunderous boom. Everything shook. I was thrown into the air, debris raining all over me…I landed on my chest and skidded across the floor. I felt the explosion ripple right through my body.”
This quote highlights the devastating impact of a mall bombing providing a glimpse into the chaos and terror. The woman's account reflects the suddenness and unpredictability of violence in a once-safe city like Damascus. It portrays the reality faced by many families in war-torn countries where innocent people become victims of bombings without warning. Hence, it demonstrates the human cost of war, the vulnerability of civilians, and the destruction caused by violence. The woman's experience displays the constant fear that people like Sami and his family face. It emphasizes the urgent need for communities to seek safety and escape violence. Furthermore, the quote highlights the importance of information in understanding the events unfolding around them. Sami hopes that someone on the radio will have answers to the questions he has about the conflict.
“We can’t live here any longer. It’s not safe. You know that. The rebels have found a way in—and we’re not waiting around to find out if the government will start attacking our neighborhoods to root them out, while they live amongst us. Or if they’ll force your baba or even you to enlist and fight them. We can’t wait till Damascus ends up like Aleppo.”
This quote reveals the urgency experienced by Sami's mother as she discusses the need to flee their home in Damascus. It highlights the escalating danger and the potential consequences of staying in a city threatened by rebel forces. The reference to Aleppo—a city devastated by years of conflict—serves as a haunting reminder of the shocking impact of war. It underscores the disruptive and often traumatic nature of conflict as families are forced to abandon their homes. The statement also addresses the theme of parental love and the lengths parents go to protect their children. Sami's mother prioritizes the well-being of her family highlighting the need to move away. Meanwhile, Sami's initial resistance to leaving reveals the conflicting emotions that arise when faced with such upheaval. It illustrates the displacement experienced by refugees who desire to stay rooted in their familiar surroundings.
“Lots of Syrians weren’t happy with the government and officials misbehaving. They were also unhappy with joblessness and not being able to choose who governed us.”
This statement provides some context to the reasons behind the rebellion in Syria. It touches upon the discontent among Syrians regarding government misbehavior and lack of job opportunities. The quote reflects the perspective shared by Sami's mother as she explains the initial events that triggered the uprising. Initially, the peaceful protests demanding the release of arrested schoolchildren were met with brutal government crackdowns. These acts of violence intensified the anger and resentment among the people leading to a broader movement calling for President al-Assad to resign. As the conflict escalated, the rebels began fighting against the security forces in areas inhabited by ordinary citizens. This escalation resulted in a full-blown civil war that engulfed the entire country causing widespread devastation.
