Fatima Al Ali

My name is Fatima and I am the proud mother of four children. Even though the conditions of the war impacted our lives, I worked hard to shoulder the responsibility and burden to give my children a happy childhood and a good education.

Adnan, my 8-year-old son, was the eldest of my children. He did very well in school and loved when people came over to visit; he would always greet them with excitement. My son Ismat was only 6 years old, but he seemed so wise for his age. Fadia was my only daughter, she was 4 years old. Fadia was sweet and loved to play with her toys. My youngest boy Fadi, was only 2 years old. He was a calm boy and was never difficult.

Even though I tried to do my best to protect them, my children were robbed of their childhood and their future. We lived in the Tel Zaatar camp, and in 1976, after days of being under siege, we thought we could escape safely... We were never to be seen again.

My children were so young, and should have had more time.

My husband was in Germany at the time. He lost us all at once. My mother refused to live her life comfortably afterwards; she slept on the floor as she felt so much sorrow and guilt. My sister continued to look for me tirelessly. She often came close to losing hope, but never did and continued to fight for answers about what happened to my children and I.

My name is Fatima Al Ali. My children are Adnan, Ismat, Fadia and Fadi. Do not let our story end here.