“These children don’t need any more war.”Released on July 28, 17:16
Paul Adams
Report from the Golan Heights
Walking the steep streets of this mountain hamlet, there is an overwhelming sense of collective shock and grief.
Small groups of men, women and children dressed in black move silently from grieving home to grieving home.
At times, you can see people hugging each other and wiping away each other’s tears.
Wahim, a teacher who knew many of the young victims, was deeply distraught and did not know whether to try to express her feelings or remain silent.
“This is a disaster. I don’t know where to begin,” he said, apologizing and breaking down in tears.
Ivan Ebrahim posted a photo of the youngest victim, his 10-year-old cousin Mirah Shahr, a boy who loved football and games.
“He’s the most amazing kid here. Everybody loved him,” Ivan said.
“I don’t know. It’s hard to explain.”
Image source, ReutersMourners carry the coffin during a child’s funeral in Majdal Shams.
“We haven’t been able to sleep since last night,” Miralle’s uncle, Nasser Ebrahim, told me. “The whole town is in mourning.”
Residents of Majdal Shams are used to the sound of rockets flying overhead, but yesterday’s attack took them all by surprise.
“I don’t think the government needs to respond,” Nasser said. “We need to end the war so that no one dies on either side.”
Unlike the occasional angry outbursts on football pitches, the atmosphere here is remarkably calm.
But this is a region where hospitality runs deep.
A group of young men called us over and offered us pitchers of strong coffee.
They are determined to stay put despite the danger.
“We Druze don’t leave our homes,” one told me, reflecting the quiet rebellion we encounter elsewhere.
As for what happens next, they are unanimous in saying they do not want a broader war.
“The children here, the children in Lebanon, the children in Gaza, they don’t need more war,” said another.