Izz al-Din Munir al-Shandi

My brother and my companion on every journey. He was born on 29/7/2009, with a laugh that went straight to the heart, beautiful in appearance and character, the beloved of my heart. He was witty, mischievous, and incredibly smart. He always stood out among his peers, was known for his love of cars, and was so close to his father that when he was killed, he was killed alongside him. Even after his death, despite the pain that wrings our hearts, his name is never mentioned without laughter filling the room. He left his mark on the old and the young alike, despite his young age. And how could he not? He was cheerful, always laughing and joking with everyone. He was a memorizer of God's book, having learned nine parts of the Quran by heart at al-Qa'qa' Mosque. He was always talking about his future and what it would hold. He honored his parents, and accompanied his father even in the war. He loved competition a great deal and was always keen to win first place in any contest he entered. I wish I had more time with him, to see that smile so dear to my heart. It has never left my mind. Only those with a pure and clean soul are martyred, and you had the purest and cleanest of hearts, my Azzouz.