Man stays behind in war torn Syria to take care of homeless cats - will stay with them no matter what
A remarkable man has taken in more than a hundred stray and abandoned cats in a devastated war zone in Aleppo, Syria.
His story has been spread around the world - that even during times of war, destruction, and darkness - love and compassion can still shine through.
Meet Mohammad Alaa Jaleel
The city of Aleppo has been a dangerous battleground since 2012. Approximately 40,000 people have fled the city in hopes to save their lives.
But Mohammad, also known as "the cat man of Aleppo", decided to stay behind.
"When people left, the cats started coming to me," Mohammad Alaa Jaleel told BBC News.
Before the war Mohammad was an electrician, and ever since the conflict erupted in his country, he has also become an ambulance driver, rescuing people in need.
This guy is just a seriously good dude.
He founded a sanctuary, Il Gattaro d'Aleppo, so the kitties could have a place to call home. In 2011 he had only about 20 cats, but that number has jumped up into the hundreds since then.
"Any stray cats in Aleppo, or pet cats left behind by residents, we protect them in this little sanctuary."
And although most of his friends have had to escape, Mohammad told the BBC that he would never leave the cats behind.
"Since everyone left the country, including my own friends, these cats have become my friends here," he said. "I said I’ll stay with them no matter what happens."
"Someone who has mercy in their heart for humans has mercy for every living thing."
Watch the video below to see Mohammad's story:
Share this incredible story!
Related Stories:
Syrian refugee refused to leave his cat behind
Syrian refugee travels thousands of miles with his kitten to Hungary, hoping to start anew together
Comments
comments powered by Disqus
What happens when you close the door on a cat (comic)
Little girl reading her cat a bedtime story is the cutest thing you'll see
There's now a book written just for cats by a cat...
She asked which cat had been in the shelter the longest, brings home deaf toothless senior love bug
Is it okay to carry a cat like a baby?
Trainer suggested a spray bottle to get her cat off the table... cat hilariously defiant
Cat has huge sneeze and it's adorable
Lions fatally maul poachers who broke into reserve to hunt rhinos
Cat who saved owner's life by keeping her awake when she suffered a blood clot is given award
Sassy cat talks back to his mom when he finds out there's no more treats
