In the town of Jinderis, Syria, a baby girl named Afraa has defied the odds after surviving an earthquake that tragically took the lives of her parents and four siblings. Born under the rubble of her family home, this resilient child spent 10 hours buried before being rescued.
Afraa’s story captured the attention of people worldwide, and many offered to adopt her. However, she was released from the hospital to the care of her paternal aunt and her husband, who adopted her after confirming their biological relationship through a DNA test.
Under the loving care of her new family, Afraa is thriving. Despite the trauma she experienced at such a young age, she is in good health, happy, and known for her friendly smiles. Her adoptive father, Khalil al-Sawadi, refers to her as his daughter and treats her no differently than his other children.
The family currently resides in an apartment during the day but seeks refuge in a tent settlement at night due to the ongoing trauma caused by the earthquake. This natural disaster claimed the lives of over 50,000 people in southern Turkey and northern Syria. Northwest Syria, where Afraa’s family resided, was particularly hard-hit, resulting in a high number of injuries and displacements.
When Afraa grows older, her adoptive father plans to share with her the story of her rescue and the loss of her parents and siblings. He believes it is important for her to know her history, and if he doesn’t tell her, his wife or children will.
A day after Afraa’s arrival at the hospital, she was named Aya, meaning “a sign from God.” However, her adoptive family later changed her name to Afraa in honor of her late mother.
In a heartwarming twist, Afraa’s adoptive mother gave birth to a daughter named Attaa shortly after welcoming Afraa into their family. The mother lovingly breastfeeds both babies, ensuring their nourishment and bonding.
Despite receiving offers to live abroad, Al-Sawadi refuses to leave Syria. He wishes to stay in the country where Afraa’s parents once lived and lost their lives.
Afraa’s biological father, Abdullah Turki Mleihan, originally hailed from the village of Khsham in eastern Deir el-Zour province. However, he was forced to leave in 2014 when the Islamic State group seized control of the area.
Al-Sawadi expressed his joy in having Afraa as part of his family, as she serves as a reminder of her parents and siblings. Closely resembling her father and sister Nawara, she brings comfort and happiness to their lives.
___ Reporting by Bassem Mroue from Beirut.
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