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.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

8536
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3804
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2780
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2529
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments