The Cat Man ofAleppo

Alaa loves his city of Aleppo. He loves its narrow alleys and covered bazaars selling pistachios, jasmine soap, and green za’atar. He loves the boiled corn and dried figs offered on the street. Most of all, he loves the people of Aleppo. They are gentle, polite, and loving-_-like him. Even when war comes to Aleppo, Alaa doesn’t flee like so many others. He continues his work as an ambulance driver.
He swerves through rubbled streets and carries the
wounded to safety. He comforts and holds them.
Ala has a big heart. Alaa’s work is important, but he misses his loved ones. Where are they now? Are they safe? He misses the way things used to be before the war. Aleppo’s city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening.
His neighborhood is empty, .. except for the many cats left behind.
The abandoned cats roam crumpled buildings and prowl filthy alleyways for food. Their homes have been destroyed, and now no one is left to love them and stroke their backs. No one is there to give them food and water. The cats lonely, confused faces remind Alaa of the loved ones he has lost. So many goodbyes!
So many people he hasn’t been able to help. So
many days he feels lonely and confused, too. On his way home from work, Alaa stops the ambulance.
Two cats call to him from the branches of an ancient olive
tree. Three more peek from a Syrian juniper tree. Alma big
heart swells with love for them. Bombs may still fall
and his loved ones may never come back to Aleppo. But there is something he can do.