One Man Has Done The Unthinkable By Staying Behind To Rescue And Care For Hundreds Of Homeless Cats In War-Torn Syria
The Syrian civil war is in its tenth year, and the humanitarian crisis it has caused has been devastating. Over 13 million people have been displaced, more than half of Syria's pre-war population of 22 million.
With few resources available and in desperation to seek refuge, many victims have been forced to flee the country, leaving behind family, close friends, and even pets.
The historic city of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been one of the hardest hit by the crisis. This has forced fleeing families to abandon hundreds of cats to fend for themselves.
However, amid so much war and destruction, one man has displayed unbelievable selflessness that has won the hearts of people around the world. He has remained in Aleppo to voluntarily care for the orphaned cats left behind by fleeing civilians.
Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel has become affectionately known as the 'Catman of Aleppo' for his dedication to looking after and protecting hundreds of cats. This ambulance driver began his self-appointed task in 2014 when he started caring for a few dozen cats that roamed the streets of Masaken Hanano.
Alaa feeding orphaned cats in the streets of Masaken Hanano
Alaa spent $4 daily from his savings to buy meat for his furry friends, as their numbers grew to over a hundred due to the ongoing conflict. This led him to establish II Gattaro d'Aleppo—a non-profit cat sanctuary to which feline lovers can donate.
Many fleeing civilians leave their cats in his care before moving abroad. In an interview with the BBC, he talked about a little girl who left her kitten with him because it wasn't possible to take it along—"She cried as she handed the cat over to me," he said.
He also described the last promise he made to her before she left. The little girl told him, "Please promise to return my cat to me when we come back." Alaa nodded, and later on, he sent her photos of the healthy-looking cat.
The "Catman of Aleppo" in his feline sanctuary
Over time, Alaa has watched several of his friends flee the country to start new lives. However, he has decided to stay in Syria with his furry companions—a decision he feels is more rewarding than fleeing for his own safety.
"I'll stay with them no matter what happens. Someone who has mercy in their heart for people has mercy for every living thing," he said.
Watch how this selfless man puts his life on the line for orphaned cats each day.
Alaa has dedicated his life to the animals, which he believes are fellow victims of war. "I regard animals and humans in the same light. All of them suffer pain, and all of them deserve compassion."
The catman doing what he does
Such is the heartfelt appeal and selflessness of this man that a global community rallied to support his candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize.
He is an incredible, selfless human being who can act as a shining example in these troubled times. The world needs more compassionate people like Alaa to restore faith in humanity.
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