Tala Tamer Khalil al-Akka

This is the testimony of the uncle, recorded truthfully for history, so that the world may know the cruelty and depravity of the Zionist army: For three days now, my father has been digging with his bare hands through concrete and rubble, hoping to find his young son Tamer Khalil al-Akka, his wife Hind Hassouna, and their children, Tala, Zaynab, and Khalil, but to no avail. Tamer, the handsome, brown-skinned young man... Tamer and I used to bicker constantly, but we grew up and matured. My dear brother Tamer, my God, we all know how strong and energetic he is, how much he loves to be active. From the moment they said the entire block where he was had been bombed, we've been saying, 'No, surely my brother is alive. My brother will get out of the rubble on his own.' My brother, people, he knew how to do everything, and everywhere he went he had friends and people who loved him. Any place, any house he entered, he would fill with fun and joy. In any house he entered, the broken appliances and tools would come out for him to fix with the expertise he gained from experience. He would fix anything without asking for anything in return. He was always ready to help. Everyone would ask things of him, and the amazing thing is that he always knew how to manage. He always had some new invention he was working on at home, and he turned the staircase into a green garden, just like his soul. But why couldn't he get out on his own this time? Why didn't he come out and tell us, 'Here I am, I've come to light up the house,' like he always used to say when he walked in? And what house didn't welcome him? In every home he had a place and a meal waiting for him. And blessed was the one whose cooking he liked and praised. Tamer had refined taste; not just any food or clothing pleased him. And he could make something out of nothing. But why, my brother, haven't you come out yet? We are not helpless, and Tamer is strong, and my father, that mountain of a man, is not helpless. My father has a contracting company with equipment; he has worked and built in this country for 40 years, but there is no fuel to clear the whole area and get his son and grandchildren out. Oh God, have mercy on my father and mother and give them patience. Where are you, Tamer? Why didn't you come out? You must have been busy with your beloved children, not knowing who to save first. Is there anyone in the world who loves and spoils their children as much as you do, brother? Come out, all of you. Come on, come on my dear brother, come out. We have not lost hope for you.