As Fred Rogers once said, when we talk about war or tragedy it is important to always “look for the helpers”. There are so many people who are doing their part to support each other, even in challenging or scary situations. The Cat Man of Aleppo, Mohammad Aljaleel, is one person who made a huge difference in his home country of Syria.
Mohammad worked as an ambulance driver when war broke out in his country. Many of his family members and his friends had to leave Syria as refugees. Thousands of cats and other animals were left behind because people could not take them with them as they fled the country. Mohammad decided to make a difference by feeding these cats, and then by opening a sanctuary for them. He also supported his community by opening and orphanage and by helping to feed the hungry,. Now, Mohammad has become an inspiration and received many donations from people across the world.
These are a few photos of Mohammad and his cats!
What are some ways that we can make a difference in our communities? Who are some other people who help support their communities (people, animals, and environment)?
Check out this video below of a woman in California who has opened her own cat sanctuary and shelter (with over 1000 cats):