Khalil Tamer Khalil al-Akka

This testimony is written in truth for the sake of history, and 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 son, the young man Tamer Khalil al-Akka, his wife Hind Hassouna, and their children Tala, Zainab, and Khalil, but to no avail. Tamer, the handsome, dark-skinned young man… Tamer and I used to bicker constantly, but we matured as we grew up. My beloved brother Tamer. We all know how strong and energetic he was, how he loved to be active. When they said the whole block where he was had been bombed, we said, "No, surely my brother is alive, my brother will get out from under the rubble by himself." My brother, everyone, he knew how to do everything. Everywhere he went he had people who loved him and friends. Any house he entered, he would fill with fun and joy. In any house he set foot in, broken appliances and tools would suddenly appear for him to fix with the expertise he gained from experience, and he would fix anything for free. He was always ready to help; everyone would ask for his help, and the amazing thing is that he always knew how to manage. He always had some new invention he'd made at home, and the stairwell near his place he turned into a green garden, as green as his soul. But why couldn't he get out by himself this time? Why didn't he come out to tell us, "Here I am, I've come and lit up the house," like he always used to say when he walked in the door? And which door? He had a place and a meal in every house. And lucky was the one whose cooking he liked and praised. Tamer had refined taste; not just any food or clothes pleased him. He could make something out of nothing. But why, my brother, have you not come out yet? We are not helpless. Tamer is strong, and my father, my mountain, is not helpless. My father has a contracting company with equipment... for 40 years he worked and built in this country. 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 children, your beloveds, not knowing who to save first. Is there anyone in the world who loved his children and spoiled them more than you, my brother? Come on, all of you, come on, my brother, my beloved, come. We haven't lost hope for you.