bassel, age 11, and alaa, age 9; the two young boys became fast friends over a shared love of futbol

04.21.3:52 pm

meet basem. originally from daraa, syria, basem was only 10 years old when he lost both of his legs, part of an arm and sustained serious injuries to his eyes. on august 8, 2014 basem was walking home with friends and saw a pile of children’s books on the side of the road. when he picked them up they exploded; the next thing he remembers is waking up in a hospital in amman, jordan.

unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story. too often we hear of explosives being hidden in objects used specifically to target children.

basem’s family has not been able to escape syria. for now, basem calls souriyat home as he waits to be reunited with his family and face what can only be called an uncertain future.