August 17, 2022

“My name is Amir Hamw, and I’m 11 years old from Qarah Tapa village in Afrin. My family and I left our hometown five years ago because of the constant bombardment by the Turkish state. This is what my family retells me. I don’t remember much about our village except that my friends and I were playing football and suddenly we heard the sound of aircraft bombardment everywhere. My father tells me we will go back one day because it is our land. This is my only dream; to return to my village. Now, I live in Hasaka city, I have new friends here, and we play football daily. Dust arises on the football field from our passionate playing. Sometimes, my friends and I collect money to buy a ball and play with it. I direct the team and wear Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey, whom I love so much and want to become a professional player like him.”