When Photos Speak Louder Than Words | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

When Photos Speak Louder Than Words

Omran Daqneesh caught the world's attention, but millions not photographed still suffer.

171
When Photos Speak Louder Than Words
ibtimes

Last week, a photo of a small boy went viral.

His name is Omran Daqneesh, a 5-year-old Syrian boy who caught the world’s attention in a video of him wiping dried blood and dust from his face after he was pulled out of the debris from his destroyed home in Aleppo that was hit by an airstrike.

According to The New York Times, the widespread interest in Omran surprised the doctors who treated him, the photographer who shot the video and many Syrians who wondered whether the world had only just discovered how children have suffered every day in a war that has raged for more than five years.

This past weekend, Omran’s 10-year-old brother, Ali, died of wounds he suffered during the same attack, medical workers said. Ali’s death, which did not draw the same instant social media outpouring as Omran’s suffering, only underscored how many Syrian children are dying under the radar of the wider world.

There are some images that strike a nerve for those who view them; some reasons are unknown and some are obvious. Here are some other pictures of children taken this past week at hospitals in the same region:


Ahmad Tadifi, 2

Arriving at the same hospital where Omran was treated, this boy underwent surgery for serious injuries to his head, groin and right arm and leg. He later on died from his injuries.


Rouwaida Hanoun, 5

Rouwaida and her 7-month-old sister Rana were both treated at the same hospital. Both suffered shrapnel wounds that required care, and were released later on.


An unidentified boy

This boy was treated and released. No one came to claim him. He was never identified. The medical workers that were reached did not remember the boy, which is not unusual in the overwhelmed hospitals.


These are just a few pictures of many that have circulated between photographers and doctors in Aleppo to other journalists worldwide.

For those that do not enjoy reading, let these pictures speak to you. Let them tell you stories of pain and suffering.

Know that this is their reality; Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed because of this war, and there are even more victims who cannot be photographed because their bodies reside under the debris of what once was their home.


Four children, no picture

A barrel bomb landed on a house in the Jalloum quarter of Aleppo’s old city, destroying the house and killing seven members of one family — including all four children. Pictured below, is the father trying to dig up his children from the rubble.


The day after Omran's picture went viral, journalists from around the world were demanding for more information about him and his family. But the doctors had moved on.

They were handling yet another influx from a bombing that morning, later posting new images. A boy lay on the floor, his legs missing. A woman in black put her hand to her mouth in anguish.

Another boy lay on a gurney, soaked in blood, as a clinician worked on him. A few minutes later it was reported that the boy had died. His name was Ibrahim Hadiri, and there was a new photograph of his face, eyes closed. It is not likely to go viral.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1077
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

650
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199754
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20609
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments