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The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo: A Remarkable True Story of Courage, Survival and Hope
From Diana Darke, the acclaimed author of My House in Damascus and The Merchant of Syria, comes the extraordinary true story of a heroic ambulance driver who created a cat sanctuary in the midst of war-torn Aleppo.
"I'll stay with them no matter what happens. Someone who has mercy in his heart for humans has mercy for every living thing."
When war came to Alaa Aljaleel's hometown, he made a remarkable decision to stay behind, caring for the people and animals caught in the crossfire. While thousands were forced to flee, Alaa spent his days carrying out perilous rescue missions in his makeshift ambulance and building a sanctuary for the city's abandoned cats.
In turn, he created something unique: a place of tranquility for children living through the bombardment and a glimmer of hope for those watching in horror around the world. As word of Alaa's courage and dedication spread, the kindness of strangers enabled him to feed thousands of local families and save hundreds of animals. But with the city under siege, time was running out for the last sanctuary in Aleppo and Alaa was about to face his biggest challenge yet...
This is the first memoir about the war in Syria from a civilian who remains there to this day, providing both a shocking insider account as well as an inspiring tale about how one person's actions can make a difference against all odds.
"I'll stay with them no matter what happens. Someone who has mercy in his heart for humans has mercy for every living thing."
When war came to Alaa Aljaleel's hometown, he made a remarkable decision to stay behind, caring for the people and animals caught in the crossfire. While thousands were forced to flee, Alaa spent his days carrying out perilous rescue missions in his makeshift ambulance and building a sanctuary for the city's abandoned cats.
In turn, he created something unique: a place of tranquility for children living through the bombardment and a glimmer of hope for those watching in horror around the world. As word of Alaa's courage and dedication spread, the kindness of strangers enabled him to feed thousands of local families and save hundreds of animals. But with the city under siege, time was running out for the last sanctuary in Aleppo and Alaa was about to face his biggest challenge yet...
This is the first memoir about the war in Syria from a civilian who remains there to this day, providing both a shocking insider account as well as an inspiring tale about how one person's actions can make a difference against all odds.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 7, 2019
10 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 21, 2019
Love and respect.
May 29, 2019
Something happens , in times of crises, where select individuals rise above all others.
The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo tells the story of Alaa Aljaleel a man who finds the strength to help both his fellow humans as well as the many cats affected by the war in Syria.
This is a tough book to get through.
1. The subject of the book Alaa is not a book author, nor were the translators who, through text, Facebook posts, Facebook messenger,and cellphone calls were able to get this man’s story so it could be told.
2. This war has been horrific for the people of Syria, the use of chemical weapons, and crude but highly lethal Bombs is barbaric. And it is brought to a personal level.
Seek out this book if you love animals- especially cats, if you believe there is still some good in the world- even when is seems there isn’t any, or if you want to read about a truly special person.
This book is not easily purchased in America but you can order it on Amazon or from Book Depository.
The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo tells the story of Alaa Aljaleel a man who finds the strength to help both his fellow humans as well as the many cats affected by the war in Syria.
This is a tough book to get through.
1. The subject of the book Alaa is not a book author, nor were the translators who, through text, Facebook posts, Facebook messenger,and cellphone calls were able to get this man’s story so it could be told.
2. This war has been horrific for the people of Syria, the use of chemical weapons, and crude but highly lethal Bombs is barbaric. And it is brought to a personal level.
Seek out this book if you love animals- especially cats, if you believe there is still some good in the world- even when is seems there isn’t any, or if you want to read about a truly special person.
This book is not easily purchased in America but you can order it on Amazon or from Book Depository.
March 12, 2021
The last book that I thought would educate me somewhat about the Syrian crisis left me pulling my hair out.
But this book was SO much better and exactly what I was looking for. It gave me a peek into Syria before the war, and the horrors during it.
The narration is by a person who is in the pulsing point of the war, its the real and heart wrenching account of what happens on a day to day in Aleppo..
This book made me crave of a Syria before, the life that thrived there, albeit the many difficulties, was so so much better than what it is now. Atleast that was a Syria that people could call home. The peak into the pre war syria was glorious, I yearn to see an even better Syria for it's people ♥️
The account of war in syria...what can I say about it except that it is horrific? Mind you, the narrator is not dramatic in his storytelling, he says it as it is.
The narration was something that made me think, there are no words that pulls at your heart, no poems that accounts for grief. The narrator doesn't even dwell too much on individual stories for longer than perhaps a few paragraphs. I think this suits his work. He is an ambulance driver. Before he can recover from a day, he would have had to forget and push on to help the next day.
He must have seen too much, and it is probably too traumatic to recount. If something was hard, the narrator tells it was hard. If something traumatized him, he says it traumatized him. So its plain facts, and there is no room for emotion to build up, you just digest the horrible accounts that is presented to you. And I actually appreciate this style of narration despite being a lover of words that ruins your heart.
Ofcourse, this might have to do with the language barrier, the difficulty of having to translate from Arabic to English, and the inconvenience that the people working behind must have had to go through. But still, I think it was intriguing and befitting for the situation at hand. And really, when you think about it, why would the narrator want to recount the egregious crimes that probably tested the resolve of the people that lived in Aleppo? More than once the narrator tells that what they went through was more than anything a human should ever have to bear.
And perhaps that is why, even amongst the truly heartbreaking moments in the book, there is always always positivity, the narrator clings on to it, throughout the book all we see is him push on, help selflessly, and be there for humans and animals alike. Human beings thrive on hope, without it we are broken.
And I am so impressed and intrigued by this narrator, who literally made it his lifes purpose to find hope in cats, and people and doing his best come what may.
Its amazing how throughout the book the narrator is like a hero, helping out anyone he can, yet you don't for once see arrogance or pride in him, all he says is thank god. The next book you read might make you forget about him, that's how simply this person presents himself. It really does leaves me in awe..
I shall stop before I write down the whole book 😂 but please do read this book, there might not be beautiful quotes for us to remember it by, but you will remember syria and what it was once and what it is now and you will remember that Syrians were victims to a horrific crime.
But this book was SO much better and exactly what I was looking for. It gave me a peek into Syria before the war, and the horrors during it.
The narration is by a person who is in the pulsing point of the war, its the real and heart wrenching account of what happens on a day to day in Aleppo..
This book made me crave of a Syria before, the life that thrived there, albeit the many difficulties, was so so much better than what it is now. Atleast that was a Syria that people could call home. The peak into the pre war syria was glorious, I yearn to see an even better Syria for it's people ♥️
The account of war in syria...what can I say about it except that it is horrific? Mind you, the narrator is not dramatic in his storytelling, he says it as it is.
The narration was something that made me think, there are no words that pulls at your heart, no poems that accounts for grief. The narrator doesn't even dwell too much on individual stories for longer than perhaps a few paragraphs. I think this suits his work. He is an ambulance driver. Before he can recover from a day, he would have had to forget and push on to help the next day.
He must have seen too much, and it is probably too traumatic to recount. If something was hard, the narrator tells it was hard. If something traumatized him, he says it traumatized him. So its plain facts, and there is no room for emotion to build up, you just digest the horrible accounts that is presented to you. And I actually appreciate this style of narration despite being a lover of words that ruins your heart.
Ofcourse, this might have to do with the language barrier, the difficulty of having to translate from Arabic to English, and the inconvenience that the people working behind must have had to go through. But still, I think it was intriguing and befitting for the situation at hand. And really, when you think about it, why would the narrator want to recount the egregious crimes that probably tested the resolve of the people that lived in Aleppo? More than once the narrator tells that what they went through was more than anything a human should ever have to bear.
And perhaps that is why, even amongst the truly heartbreaking moments in the book, there is always always positivity, the narrator clings on to it, throughout the book all we see is him push on, help selflessly, and be there for humans and animals alike. Human beings thrive on hope, without it we are broken.
And I am so impressed and intrigued by this narrator, who literally made it his lifes purpose to find hope in cats, and people and doing his best come what may.
Its amazing how throughout the book the narrator is like a hero, helping out anyone he can, yet you don't for once see arrogance or pride in him, all he says is thank god. The next book you read might make you forget about him, that's how simply this person presents himself. It really does leaves me in awe..
I shall stop before I write down the whole book 😂 but please do read this book, there might not be beautiful quotes for us to remember it by, but you will remember syria and what it was once and what it is now and you will remember that Syrians were victims to a horrific crime.
March 29, 2021
Both heart breaking and uplifting. This story of one man's determination and kindness is something we should all contemplate. The troubles in Syria are soul destroying to read about. But still there is love, sharing and compassion to be found.
March 17, 2020
You! 👐🏾 Yes, I‘m talking to you! Why are you reading this when you should be reading 👆🏼I am not kidding! This man is driving his own ambulance, saving humans and cats in Aleppo, Syria during the war. He started the first animal sanctuary in the Arabic countries!! Also explains extremely well what is going on in the Arabic world, ISIS, Islam, and how a single person can make a difference and change lives. Easy to read, uplifting! Read it now!
September 18, 2020
Remarkable compassionate man doing incredible work . Its amazing how with technology this book came to be written at all. Good insight into Syria and its issues. But, all that said, i found it scratches the surface, bit simplistic and too repetitive. I got bored in patches and felt guilty skipping paragraphs given the hardship being conveyed. It maybe the translation and the use if WhatsApp that is the problem, but i struggled to keep engaged with it.
January 6, 2024
This was one of the books we had to choose for Januarys read with @shelterboxbookclub
The book goes through how Alaa had to see his family flee from Syria and Aleppo to Turkey for safety due to the war. However wanting to be able to rescue people and follow in his father’s footsteps, Alaa stayed behind.
His story is not just about rescuing people and helping them get to safety but also rescuing the animals and caring for them despite putting his own life at risk.
He now has a sanctuary built for over 1800 cats and a farm for dogs, donkeys, horses, goats etc.
The story is sad at times as he does write about animals being killed but it’s so moving knowing that someone in a country facing uncertainty with war and terroism and extremists that he risks his life to save others and makes sure that the neighbourhood is fed and watered.
He also helps orphans, elderly and even has built a school and play area for children and tries to educate everyone on how to look after animals.
Definitely worth the 5 star review for me!
The book goes through how Alaa had to see his family flee from Syria and Aleppo to Turkey for safety due to the war. However wanting to be able to rescue people and follow in his father’s footsteps, Alaa stayed behind.
His story is not just about rescuing people and helping them get to safety but also rescuing the animals and caring for them despite putting his own life at risk.
He now has a sanctuary built for over 1800 cats and a farm for dogs, donkeys, horses, goats etc.
The story is sad at times as he does write about animals being killed but it’s so moving knowing that someone in a country facing uncertainty with war and terroism and extremists that he risks his life to save others and makes sure that the neighbourhood is fed and watered.
He also helps orphans, elderly and even has built a school and play area for children and tries to educate everyone on how to look after animals.
Definitely worth the 5 star review for me!
February 13, 2020
An amazing true story of courage and caring.
Alaa Aljaleel converted his work van to an ambulance as he risked his life to rescue people and animals from bombs and bullets in his war-torn home town of Aleppo.
He drove the injured to hospitals or medical centres, and set up a cat sanctuary. He invited children to visit and play with the cats. He also built a playground nearby as a sanctuary of respite for the children to escape the fear, noise and terror of war for at least a short time.
as the war went on for years, he became known in other countries, and his work was funded through a Facebook group who raised money for food and medicines.
Aljaleel is critical of his government, claiming it is a brutal, power hungry regime.
He is also critical of extremists who he claims are fighting for political, not religious, reasons, as god would not want them to kill other human beings. Therefore they are not true Muslims.
He also despairs at the lack of help being offered to Syrian citizens. In the past, Syrians helped other countries when they were in crisis due to war or natural disasters, yet now those countries will not offer visas for displaced Syrians.
This was an eye-opener for me. Despite hearinf news stories of the atrocious bombings of Syrian towns by their own government, I did not know much about the background reasons. I find it really hard to understand a civil war, especially one that has gone on for so long and has been so cruel. I am amazed that there are still people like Alaa who can remain positive and kind in these circumstances. He is a real hero.
Alaa Aljaleel converted his work van to an ambulance as he risked his life to rescue people and animals from bombs and bullets in his war-torn home town of Aleppo.
He drove the injured to hospitals or medical centres, and set up a cat sanctuary. He invited children to visit and play with the cats. He also built a playground nearby as a sanctuary of respite for the children to escape the fear, noise and terror of war for at least a short time.
as the war went on for years, he became known in other countries, and his work was funded through a Facebook group who raised money for food and medicines.
Aljaleel is critical of his government, claiming it is a brutal, power hungry regime.
He is also critical of extremists who he claims are fighting for political, not religious, reasons, as god would not want them to kill other human beings. Therefore they are not true Muslims.
He also despairs at the lack of help being offered to Syrian citizens. In the past, Syrians helped other countries when they were in crisis due to war or natural disasters, yet now those countries will not offer visas for displaced Syrians.
This was an eye-opener for me. Despite hearinf news stories of the atrocious bombings of Syrian towns by their own government, I did not know much about the background reasons. I find it really hard to understand a civil war, especially one that has gone on for so long and has been so cruel. I am amazed that there are still people like Alaa who can remain positive and kind in these circumstances. He is a real hero.
February 13, 2020
I have been following Ernesto´s successes and pains for some time through social media. Alaa and his staff have done an amazing job taking care of animals under unimaginable hard conditions. I started reading this book because I was curious about the story behind this cat sanctuary and playground, which has expanded to so much more.
It was not an easy read because it describes the horrific Syrian war from the point of view of a Syrian. The book has beautiful descriptions of pre-war Aleppo, with its cosmopolitan population, monuments, masques, markets, neighborhoods, parks and industry. The insights regarding the different factions that have done the fighting are very eye-opening and very different from what I have seen in the media.
Alaa´s message of love and compassion is reflected throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the passages in which Alaa uses one of his cats as an example for human behaviour.
It was not an easy read because it describes the horrific Syrian war from the point of view of a Syrian. The book has beautiful descriptions of pre-war Aleppo, with its cosmopolitan population, monuments, masques, markets, neighborhoods, parks and industry. The insights regarding the different factions that have done the fighting are very eye-opening and very different from what I have seen in the media.
Alaa´s message of love and compassion is reflected throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the passages in which Alaa uses one of his cats as an example for human behaviour.
March 16, 2020
An interesting book co-written by a Syrian bloke who set up and managed a cat sanctuary in Aleppo from 2012 to 2016.
During this time he was also involved in numerous humanitarian projects such as using a van which he converted into an Ambulance to rescue people who were victims of the numerous bombings.
Unfortunately his book was peppered with constant references to his Facebook and a Twitter ‘friends’ who helped finance his activities and I felt as if the book was a means to fish for more funds/friends.
Nonetheless, it gave an eye opening insight into the horror and depredations suffered during the war in Aleppo.
During this time he was also involved in numerous humanitarian projects such as using a van which he converted into an Ambulance to rescue people who were victims of the numerous bombings.
Unfortunately his book was peppered with constant references to his Facebook and a Twitter ‘friends’ who helped finance his activities and I felt as if the book was a means to fish for more funds/friends.
Nonetheless, it gave an eye opening insight into the horror and depredations suffered during the war in Aleppo.
March 26, 2021
This is both a heartbreaking and hopeful memoir about Alaa Aljaleel's life and work in Aleppo, from driving an ambulance at the beginning of the war in Syria, to opening a second animal (and people) sanctuary with the help of donations from social media followers around the world. The devastation in Syria is beyond words, but hearing of Aljaleel's work, his life's mission, restores a little of the lost faith in humanity. There are some really gut wrenching moments where I almost had to stop reading, but this is an important story, and deserves to be heard.
September 2, 2020
One should read the epilogue to truly understand the circumstances under which this book has been put together.
The ‘literary quality’ of the book is not exceptional - but it does a great job of bringing to fore the story of how syria reached where it has in this conflict, without taking sides, purely from the point of view of the ultimate sufferer - common people.
Needless to mention, the story of Alaa and his cat sanctuary in allepo is poignant yet hopeful..
The ‘literary quality’ of the book is not exceptional - but it does a great job of bringing to fore the story of how syria reached where it has in this conflict, without taking sides, purely from the point of view of the ultimate sufferer - common people.
Needless to mention, the story of Alaa and his cat sanctuary in allepo is poignant yet hopeful..
December 2, 2020
Inspiring story!! closer to a fiction one!
shedding light on the disastrous war in Aleppo, the world's oldest city, from a totally different perspective. How the passion of one man and his love for cats brought hope and support to thousands of people in severe need! he chose to stay back in a situation where he was exposed to all kinds of dangers every single day just to stay behind his humanitarian work and his love for animals.
shedding light on the disastrous war in Aleppo, the world's oldest city, from a totally different perspective. How the passion of one man and his love for cats brought hope and support to thousands of people in severe need! he chose to stay back in a situation where he was exposed to all kinds of dangers every single day just to stay behind his humanitarian work and his love for animals.
January 5, 2021
This book was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. When we moan about how Covid has made our lives difficult and governments aren’t good enough, there are worse places to be and worse governments... just read this book about one man and his calling in life to help people and animals.... he really is a saint and proof that angels live among us....
This book was hard to read at times but I’m so glad I did read it. X
This book was hard to read at times but I’m so glad I did read it. X
March 14, 2022
I love this book for the courage and determination of the author. I love the idea that he is interested in helping people so much. If just one person helps another in this world the world would be a better place. I liked that he wanted to help people and animals particularly cats against all odds.
August 1, 2021
“The true losers in war are always innocent civilians, mainly poor people, because rich people can use their money to flee or to travel or to buy food and to find a shelter”
Oh man, this book broke my heart. Such a honest story about Syria and the war and what happened.
Well written. Loved it.
March 17, 2022
Beautiful story - both sad and hopeful - which makes the book hard to rate. But it just feels like it has lost something in the translation. It is written in a way that's very simplistic so almost feels a bit condescending at times and is pretty repetitive.
April 10, 2020
Remarkable story of hope in crisis
October 10, 2020
Seriously! One person CAN make a difference!
My Full Review
My Full Review
November 6, 2020
A gentle and engaging way to learn more about the conflict in Syria.
January 31, 2021
A heartening read
It does the soul good to know that there are people who are willing to risk all to care for people and animals in eth
It does the soul good to know that there are people who are willing to risk all to care for people and animals in eth
March 16, 2022
Amateurish prose.
This might be young for middle school/junior high.
[put aside]
This might be young for middle school/junior high.
[put aside]
March 24, 2023
Such a good book, Alaa is an inspiration
January 2, 2024
A beautiful and true story that will leave you very moved x
September 22, 2021
Great story about an incredibly brave and selfless man. Increased my understanding of the Syrian war, something I've always been interested in but probably only informed by Western news channels!
I've rated it a three because the storyline and content were interesting but the book itself and the way it is written is a bit basic.
I've rated it a three because the storyline and content were interesting but the book itself and the way it is written is a bit basic.
August 3, 2023
Humanity in the harshest of times
Alaa Aljaleel is the best of men. A man who has dedicated his life to the care of others. Famed as the 'Cat man of Aleppo', Alaa is more than someone who has provided sanctuary for animals. Working in the most horrific conditions during the siege and bombardment of Aleppo', he risked his life daily to drive his private ambulance and rescue and save his fellow Syrians injured in the conflict. A man of morality, humility and an example of someone selfless often to his own detriment. But his passion and compassion to put others first - from orphaned children, his local community and the animals he gave safe haven to, is an example we can all learn from. Kindness comes from the heart and as long as people like Alaa live, kindness will continue to win over hate.
A harrowing book that described the horrors of the Syrian civil war, but a book of hope. Good luck to Alaa.
Alaa Aljaleel is the best of men. A man who has dedicated his life to the care of others. Famed as the 'Cat man of Aleppo', Alaa is more than someone who has provided sanctuary for animals. Working in the most horrific conditions during the siege and bombardment of Aleppo', he risked his life daily to drive his private ambulance and rescue and save his fellow Syrians injured in the conflict. A man of morality, humility and an example of someone selfless often to his own detriment. But his passion and compassion to put others first - from orphaned children, his local community and the animals he gave safe haven to, is an example we can all learn from. Kindness comes from the heart and as long as people like Alaa live, kindness will continue to win over hate.
A harrowing book that described the horrors of the Syrian civil war, but a book of hope. Good luck to Alaa.
December 18, 2023
I have been following the sanctuary on Facebook for some time now. The book is great, and really tells the story of how it came to be and the dedication behind it- but it is only the beginning. The work of doing this has progressed so much, and really because of people stepping up from all over the world to help make it a success, but without the good man's hard work, dedication and vision it could never have happened at all. For those of us who love animals, and believe in the essential goodness of humans, this book lifts up this work and brings it into the light. I feel gratitude to be able in my own small way to support this work, as so many others are also doing. And to help heal some of the heartache and damage done to the animals and people who never deserved this war, and who have suffered so much because of it. I give it 5 stars for content, and 5 stars for the simple and magical telling of a story that needs to be told.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews