Original subtitles

For those who fought with silence.. and died with silence..

We dedicate this film.

Mum, Do you see the moon?

God himself is illuminating Quneitra

God himself...

is shining over Quneitra..

In the beginning, there was silence.

and the night took over.

and the moon announced it's presense.

and there was a little lamb, swimming

in the water, to the openness of the heavens.

Then, the lamb fell to the earth.

and under a moonlit sky.

it found itself under the blade of a dagger.

the little lamb was overcome by fear and trembling

as it witnessed the sharp end of the dagger.

a hand came forward

and placed it's neck under the blade

then it was slaughtered.

The lurking smile disappeared from his mother's face.

She opened here eyes and listened with curiosity and awe.

then she rose up disrupting the quiet of the night.

the contours of her clothes leaving their mark on the white bedsheets

She said: Mum!

Ask me what's good?

What's good?

Come here and I'll tell you.

It was a clear night, only the moon was there.

There was a strong breeze, and cold winds.

and the houses were clouded in mist.

Mum, is that the photo with my dad?

Wisal, take this photo and hide it for me.

I plead you, my son.

go to the garden, and bring me some Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum?

I'm so worried your father might be suffering in his grave.

Suffering..? in his grave?

When did my father have a grave?

You go to the garden and bring me a handful of green Chrysanthemums.

and with a strong smell.

You hear me?

Where are you for god's sake ?!

Your father is suffering in his grave.

You're going to look for it.

and place on it the bouquet of flowers.

After I asked you about the flowers and the grave.

I began to wake up from my slumber.

I turned frantically to call you

and witnessed the house collapsing.

I looked in between the dust and debris

and walked through it

I hate feeling scared.. I tried

to call you, but my voice couldn't reach out

Have you forgotten

when he called you that day?

I think it was a Tuesday or Wednesday..

Have you forgotten how he told you

"Wissal, take the kid and walk away."

I'll be back in a couple of days

or I won't be back at all..

Didn't you a couple of days after that

send me to the city to look for him?

It was on that day, I met an outsider

and asked him about my father

Many have sworn that they have seen him

as he rode a car heading for Damascus

I headed back to you. and we waited..

and on the sixth day

we went together to Quneitra

and we found out the enemy has occupied the place

So we didn't enter..

You forgot that the people said

" your husband has gone crazy, woman! "

your husband is seen barefooted, eating from the garbage, cursing and swearing

spitting and going into tantrums

When the Israelis got fed up with him

They dragged him to a mosque and locked him

and from his confinement, he kept screaming..

and on his seventh day there, he went into utter silence

Nobody knows what happened to him.

Everyone stay put in his home

Fuck the deserters.

I'm telling you, it's a conspiracy !

a conspiracy !

Faggots!

There's no more men in this world..

Cunts, cunts everywhere..

I saw you coming back later

You were holding something in your hands

that you wanted to show me

You were wearing the same black suit

that you wore on the day your father died

I was wondering..

If you brought the flowers to his grave..

Take this precious piece of gold

Mum, look at this!

I bought you a "sound box" !

Girls ! I sold the sound box.

Girls ! I sold the Gramophone

Why did you sell it?

Why did you do that, father?

We were so fond of it..

He used to look at me and say:

" I wish I never came back after '36 "

I wouldn't have seen you, or got married..

"Be honest with me" I said to him

what do you regret..

that you returned..or your marriage to me?

Palestine.. 1936?

I don't remember..

He used to go on telling..

But I was just tired from chores or absent minded most of the time..

and your mother wouldn't want anything more than

to go to sleep..

and you still accuse me of not remembering..?

Come here boy, take a picture of us

for our future.. for our kids..

Father, is it still far

till we get to Palestine ?

This goes to the men of the national coalition!

The national coalition !

Men of the national coaltion!

Who's that? Why are you here now?

Abu Hamed, come close that barrel of water

before the camels drink it

All the world is burning in that oven

Uncle, the heat feels so good!

Men of the neighbourhood! Assem Bey! we need your help

Hello there! We welcome the nationalist brothers.

What favorable incident

brought your presence over Quneitra?

Anyway, I'm coming down to you.

Come and clean up, Anwar.

It's raining !

It's raining !

What's up with you ? Let the men drink!

There

Now you can drink..

your father

has got hold of a gold nugget! come look!

Come look at it!

Leave the mirror for a bit and help us out.

Girls, get the food ready.

Cover your legs !

All our lives we're running away from malice and injustice

or we're confronting and fighting them

So, the injustice ends there.

It's been a long time since we had anything happen here.

What's going on?

Why are they gathering in Quneitra now?

Assem Bey You're our only

hope, the French are after us.

Help us get to Palestine by taking Abu-Yakub bridge.

Sure, I'll handle it.

Kaoukji called for all the Arabs

on his side

to fight the British and the Jews.

-If it isn't Sheikh Taj in person!

-God Forbid!

Shut up! the Frecnhies might hear you!

Where are you going?

Tell the commander

we come from Damascus

The commander's asking where you're heading?

Tell him, we're going after Hemme

We love epics and adventures..

We're like Urisius

What if he informs the Brits?

Paris is our salvation!

Let's get out of here.. Leave this dirty business

They dare to speak of independence!

We're working men!

We want to work at the port in Haifa

Your voice is quivering, Abdallah

is it the cold or you're fearing something?

I swear on Kassam's soul it's not fear.

Fear it is, Abdallah. No reason for me to lie.

Fear, that after we sacrifice our lives

Some no good fuckers would come and step on our fresh corpses..

Come, shave me that beard, Awad.

I want to look clean before God if we meet soon.

Hold on, I'll get the razor.

A barber out of all possibilities..

Tell the interpreter

to report to the governer

that the innkeeper

is suspicious about the barber.

Assem Bey dragged the driver

out of his bed, he was sleeping.

Don't be worried.

I've secured a car.

I do not drive further than Abu Yakob bridge

Azzedin's yard is my limit

The French have the borders.

Palestine is too dangerous to get through now.

He's scared!

You're scared of the French.

Why do you speak like a Turk?

I didn't come back from Turkey

to get thrown in a jail here

Stop this nonsense already.

Get up and bring your car here.

and you, hurry up and bring them supplies.

for the road.

I'll get the bread.

Dad, look. all these trucks

heading from Quneitra.

The bus is here! Everything is clear, Quickly guys!

Lights out.

They're leaving.

and the policemen aren't there yet.

Girls, get the beds ready. and close the windows.

It's time to sleep

Abu hamed, stash my bike.

until I come back

If I die, it belongs to you.

Where's Awad the barber?

That's me! - Get out !

The governer wants to see you.

Take your tools with you, the French

need a barber in their baracks

close the pub already.

Get out, hurry up!

Get there safely, men.

Lead the way!

Carry on, don't wait for me.

If they arrest me, I'll make

a copy of the group photo for each of you to carry.

Look over there.

Why's he standing like that?

He's like a statue.

What's wrong with you?

Poke him.

He looks alive.

He's blinking.

Wonderful! this breath of fresh air!

Praise be God..

Maybe he wasn't getting enough air.

He was choking like he'd been hanged.

Fill the barell with water.

and prepare the pot for the prisoners.

Did you see the poor guy standing there like a rock.

Like a fallen tree..

He was still like a statue.

and he couldn't breathe.

Yes, he was suffocating.

Lower your eyes.

When we left this morning I came across

the Circassian "Oubchen"

What does that mean?

I didn't know so I've asked him

He said it was Circassian

and means Good morning in arabic.

Wait for me.

I never come empty handed back

Stay here, I'll take care of everything.

Let's go.

why are you hiding your hands?

Where are you? Here!

what is it,father?

Hurry up with the governer's food, girls.

Boys, is the pot ready for the prisoners?

Abou Hassan, take the Loukhoms and stash them.

and you, Abu Hamed, come help me get off this donkey.

Makkye, father asks you.

to prepare this meat, don't overcook it.

alright, alright. I heard.

Wissal, I swear if father

sees you like this, he'll snap our heads off.

I'm hungry!

He's Hungry!

You hungry?

Abu Abed, do you get

a lot of hungry customers like him?

You hungry? tired?

How about some music?

Om Hamed, Bring him a plate of Hoummous.

and some meat. Have you got money?

I'm hungry, bring me something.

He looks like he's about to give out.

You'll get half a pound of meat.

and Hoummous..

Someday..

we'll be eating each other

Your face looks familiar.

Come here, Humaid.

Tell my woman to

get the food for the governer ready before noon.

Come back here, carry those pots.

take them to the jail.

Abu Hamed, the shepherd is here.

Weigh the sheep.

Six and a half kilos.

next..

nine and a half kilos.

Weren't you the one who threw at me

a piece of gold to drink water?

Look at what the French dogs are doing..

Assholes.

Why are you crying?

I didn't forget about you

Here, here..

I brought you some lukhums with me

make him some of the lukhums with cream.

How I'd like to have a taste too..

and a kiss, now calm down.

Is it hard these days

to find a bus to Hama ?

Are you serious? there's not even buses

going to damascus. I need to talk to you.

Stay here and marry one of my daughters.

make some good money and become my partner here.

Quenitra has a big future.

Girls, head back home and tell

your mother, to take you along

to the Hammam to clean up, I'm

bringing some guests with me this afternoon.

You cry everytime you look at the photo

with your fellow insurgents. Enough of this melodrama.

Awad, I want to visit my mother, I had a dream about her.

I swear on Kassam's soul I don't like you leaving like this one bit.

Anyway, you won't make it to Hama

anytime before midnight

Awad, you're still in Quneitra?

-I'm glad to see you old buddy. -You haven't changed a bit.

Go on ahead to the bus stop.

I'm coming.

-You're married? -and a soon to be father.

hurry up, I don't know anybody here.

Hello, Mister Awad.

Oh dear. Who are you?

A beggar with bare feet..

Are you hungry?

Emile, there's a beggar down there. I'll fetch him

a bread loaf, do you hear me?

Listen, search all the market.

until you find me those mallows.

Listen, if you can't find any..

bring me spinach, alright?

-Listen, Siamese, ha?. -Got it

A thousand welcomes to you. I've seen that you're barefoot

so I brought you these, put them on.

Should we now adress you as Monseiur Awad ?

due to your acquaintance with the French?

Don't say that.. You think one could

change so easily ? wait, I'll close that door.

So, tell me everything that's happened to you

I'm very excited to hear about it all.

You know, on that day I departed with you guys

I cried incessantly.

What should I tell you..?

What happened there was a real tragedy.

I swear, ever since I'm back

from Palestine, I feel like I'm suffocating..

God is my witness, I do not know

why, but since I breathed the air of Quneitra..

Life came back to me.

you're right, the air of Quneitra

is exactly like the breeze you'd get at the Asi river in Hama.

Awad, put some water on my face.

refreshing.

We were winning in Palestine, we were giving it good to the

Jews and the Brits. It was the Mufti Haj Amin

who broke our momentum

He demanded that we go home

Ofcourse, we did not want to..

but the Arab leaders intervened

and swore with their honor

that they'd solve the problem

The Brits were complied with them.

Awad, we were only

quite ordinary soldiers.

we assumed the politicians always know the big picture..

So we headed out.

If only I had been with you..

We said as long as we have our weapons

retained, it's not a big deal, because we could go back anytime.

Awad, I swear to you..

It was a worthy retreat.

We carried those weapons on our shoulders, and heads held high.

The Brits could only look at us and do nothing.

But the French sons of bitches crossing the border

they snatched our weapons right away!

I've witnessed these rabid dogs

set the whole border line on electric current.

so that no one goes to Palestine

Papa says the Sheikh

has arrived. come with us.

What Sheikh?

That old looney wants me to marry his daughter

I wasn't sure if he's serious or joking.

Fortunately, I bought you these shoes for the ocassion.

Look, that's the Hamaui who is going to marry Wissal.

That's the Hamaui who is going to marry Wissal.

With God's blessing..

Put on more roses.

Let us pray Al-Fatiha.

Abu Hamid, bring the plate with the cream

and the apricot basket too.

So he's is also from Hama?

Yes.

Lift it for the Sheikh.

God's safety bestowed on us.

Brother, on the way tell me all

what you have experienced in Palestine.

Don't worry, I'll tell you everything that happened day by day.

Mama, Papa's here with the guests.

get your heads covered.

-Get out, you idiot. -What's going on?

Mom, cover yourself

Leave that crap and give me a hand here.

Your father's here with guests.

alright, mom.

we're coming.

Goddamn you wherever you are, Anjuck Pacha.

Do we really need electricity in Quneitra?

Yeah, Well said.

Wissal, go up and close

the windows, so they don't

drop bombs on us

Cursed electricity and the day it was found.

Don't you see we've spent all our lives

in that kitchen?

Hindia, please get the fire working on that pot.

and you, get up and wash the dishes.

Dora, go and cook the rice.

Mom, Father brought you apricots

Put them here.

Here the plate with cream.

Put them on the table over there, so your sisters

won't nibble at it, and fill that bucket with water.

Father's coming with the guests.

Don't stumble in my way!

My God! That cream is delicious!

So good..

Wissal come, taste, it's delicious!

Hands off! Do you want to embarass us infront of the

guests? Your father will snap our heads off, I swear it!

Wissal, come here, I want to tell you something.

Wissal, hurry up a little

may god give you good health

and happiness.

I want you and your girls to act happy.

What happened? Is the war over?

Are the French gone?

you're so stupid.

I have a man for our daughter

and I'll wed them today.

A man? where is he?

Please let me see him. Please.

See him? Have some decency, woman!

I'm begging you, Just a look.

not before marriage is done.

Please! Through the crack in the door..

I just want to see him, I beg you.

Maybe he has a identity card.

I'll ask him and bring you his photo.

But I swear, if I catch one of you

peeking her nose through the door, I'll snap her

Dora, give me some flowers.

Hindia, grind the nutmeg.

The oranges are ready

Sprinkle the roses on some water.

Wissal, take that plate from me.

to pour the milk for your wedding.

Look, what I've kept for you.

That was in '36, right?

Do you remember how we took the picture? It was on my wedding day.

coming, father.

Stay here, till I get back to you.

This photo is a proof of our existence after we're gone.

I'm afriad the day comes when our struggle

would only be present in the photo.

By the way, Just to get this done with.

Before we make this wedding happen.

you should forget about the insurgency, the mojahedin and all that nonsense

and also should forget about going back to Hamma,

as you can see, it's alot better here.

True, It's Allah's paradise on earth here.

Give me your hand.

Didn't I warn you not to peek in?

But my hand is all blue, father.

All the better.

Close your fist and give me your thumb.

Make it wet.

Press down on your finger.

and it is done, my child.

I wish you all the luck and happiness.

You're having a cake today, sweet as roses.

It's time, Mom! Marriage is done!

Hopefully this marriage will be the first.

and the rest of the girls to follow, Get up, boy. Bring us

the cream and rose water.

I congratulate you, Allalah.

Thank you.

and now with the blessing of Allah and his prophet.

you can see your wife.

What a day!

I swear, as soon as the railway line

by Hijaz is finished, we'll make

a pilgrimage. And I'm getting you married as well.

I dream of this day.

Get up and sing us a song, boy.

So you're Wissal...

I'm not covered!

Are you still hungry?

I saw you crying from hunger the other day.

Look what the French are sending us..

Papers.. Can you read?

No..

Neither can I.

But if God gives us a child.

we'll send him to school.

Paris has fallen..

and Hitler converted to Islam..

and tommorow the slaughter begins!

The best thing I can do now

I go to the foreign legion

we close the bakery

and you go to your parents

at Aleppo

I can do that, I miss my parents and Aleppo.

They say you should refrain from hostilities.

and support the Army.

He's asking for your loyalty

in these difficult days

Above all, providing them with the supplies necessary.

Food, medicine, and otherwise.

Hide the donkey, before they take him.

Brave Syrians and Lebanese..

we have, with great concern followed

you just struggle for independence..

From now on all radios are to be

confiscated until victory.

This is the from the Supreme Command

It is strictly forbidden to

listen to propaganda of the enemy.

The construction of the Syrian nation

need all your strength.

Join the Black Brigade!

I hear the grinding mill.

The lieutenant heard this morning

the sound of the mill operating.

He must've been dreaming..

You were never really on our side..

He says that they are experiencing difficult times.

and you are not showing support.

Tell me now..

What do the Circassians want?

They got into a mess for Vichy.

Collet has teamed up with the Circassians.

and left the Brits.

What's going on?

I dreamed about my mother..

What's going on here ? it's War!

Why is this happening to me! I wish

I fled with Saraman..

Where should I hide..?

My God!

Gold!

Now I understand my dream !

Wars and bombings are all around us

wherever we go..

Follow me, come on.

-Why do you treat us so? -Where are you taking us?

He's dragging us to the police.

Shame on you for making a sight of us..

infront of the townsfolk!

Hurry up! Go ahead !

Hear all here! Sheikh Taj

has just been elected President!

Sheikh Taj is now the president!

This is not right!

He's threatening to take us to the police !

Take off your shoes !

Give me the whip and a belt !

and hold back your foot soles.

-I did not do it, I swear! - confess!

I didn't do it! it's not me!

It's killing me..

to see my children in this agony !

I'll squeal the confession out of them, don't worry.

Once they confess, you get a rosy cake.

Damn you!

Easy on yourself, mother!

we have only you, mama! Calm down!

Honest, we didn't do anything!

Carry on, boss?

Make it sharper!

I have only one wish, Wissal..

Don't give in to the beatings and scoldings

which your father imposed on us ,escape...

Talk to your man. Convince him

to abandon his militant history and this nonsense.

Come closer...

Leave Quneitra behind, get out..

Quneitra?

Take your husband and leave to his family in Hama..

Don't wait till the child arrives..

where is the mother?

of the children? go in, come on.

you can not force me to go!

I won't go!

and if I had to die!

I'll die at my place, damn you and the whole police!

I go, you're pregnant

You, uncover your face!

So you're asking why'd father would treat us so badly..

I felt so spiteful of him..

Listen up, my young girl

you need to know

that nothing escapes us.If there's a bird in the sky, we know it.

That's right. The police know everything!

even the fish lurking underwater!

Come closer.

Come Abu-Hasan!

I swear I did not do it

This one could jot down a statement..

Hey, what's going on down there ?!

What's all this noise?

Is she dead?

If she's dead, cover her with a blanket.

Mother's dead!

God curse you, father!

My mother died..!

I swear, I did not do it!

Such a misfortune! Our mother is dead!

Where are the guys?

I've got some heavy loads of oranfe bags..

Your wife has given birth to a son.

a son..?

You have the English out of palestine

and you bring them here..

You were no longer expected to show up..

and you come here with a bag of oranges?

Why did you tell him

that he has a son? it's none of your business! Get out!

no one said that I must be silent

Now, to be on the same grounds of understanding..

Give me back my piece of gold.

or you won't be seeing your son or his mother.

what gold, my good man?

spare me the bullshit!

people will think you're serious.

I'm very serious.

only you can be the thief

Hey, go to the police post

tell them Allalah the theif is back!

you stole gold

and now you want to spoil me with your oranges

from Palestine!

I am no longer a man..

If I don't make you rot in jail..

You can not help it, but I didn't know

that you're such a cheap bastard!

Say, sister.. Aren't you the woman of Awad?

That's me - where is awad?

He traveled to Hama for money

to borrow for the opening of a store. here.

He's coming back later today or tomorrow..

forty years perhaps...

I can't tell for sure, how many years have passed

But I've never forgave my father for what he did that day..

Wissal, don't you recognize me?

so we have a son now.

I opened the door, he stood before me

You are my wife before God and all witnesses..

I thought I was dreaming

come with me

this is the home of the shopkeeper.

That one is Allalah

Since I knew

that it was not a dream

I was afraid.

I wasn't used to him..

but I felt that I loved him

but each lived in his own world..

At that time, the fumes of war were everywhere.

and anyone who dared to speak was killed instantly.

Before I could respond, say something

the police had him arrested.

Allalah, where are you?

Do you hear me?

It was a good sign

So that's how they took him from me the first time..

The sequel you already know.

Sometimes I have the impression

humans only capture a singular memory from their lives

and continue to relive it in their imaginations repeatedly.

as if the world stands still at that moment in time.

and wipes all others out of remembrance.

At this moment my son

a very strange smell came to me. I didn't know where it came from..

One, two, three...

Come, closer! Check our records!

Asmahan..Abdel Wahab, Um kalthoum

Mister, is this bus heading to Hama?

Is Quneitra after hama?

Shut up! after Hama?

and why not after Istanbul?

get in the car, hurry up!

Do not believe him!

We do not go to Hama, get out!

Down with the mandate!

Down with colonialism !

Long live Syria

free and independent!

I want you to rejoice about the independence!

Your owe the fighters and the

Militants of the national block this great victory

I want you today to experience

full joy and happiness and celebrations..

Good day, Abu El Abed, bring us

Liquorice to drink, today I am in top form!

Bring him his Liquorice

to celebrate the independence.

The independence has an appeal, certainly.

Abu El Abed, look. Allalah.

It's Allalah.

He was just released from prison. and he's got

a stick in his hand..

Allalah has been dismissed..

Come, refresh yourself.

Taste this jelly.

That's Allalah, he's your dad.

He was released from prison now.

Boys,take care of the shop.

I'm going to the Police.

Dad, look, he smashed the store!

Dad, where are you?

Wissal, come here immediately!

Your husband destroyed our shop!

Mom, is this my father

that you told me about so much?!

Allalah.. son! Come, please do.!

I'm your father, Allalah...

Come back, my son!

Come back, Allalah!

Mom, is that my father ..

that you told me about so much?

What happened, son?

He destoryed the stor!

Everything is smashed. The radio, the pots, the eggs...

Your father? Where is he?

You have described him differently..!

Calm yourself, my son. Where is he?

I have seen him thrusting in

with a stick in hand, he smashed the store !

Let go of the door, son.

No, I'm afraid he might come in.

Do you hear that? Your father is knocking on the door..

My God, set me free from my prison as you freed him from his..

as you freed him from his..

Garlands! I forgot, we are celebrating

the independence, you are free...

welcome. I didn't stop

praying for you on a single day. do come inside....

I'll never put a foot into that house again..

Wissal, I'm terribly sorry

that your mother has died..

My condolences to you and your brothers and sisters..

God bless you.

Come here, my son.

come on, look at your father.

God be praised.. how similar he is to you!

He did not recognize me, but I recongized him immediately...

Listen to me, Wissal, either you come

with me, or each of us goes his own way..

No, I'll come with you.

Take the boy and follow me.

Down with the mandate!

Down with the mandate!

Long live the independence!

Long live free, sovereign Syria!

I'm done

Follow me

God be praised in the heavens.

Thank God now I understand the dream I had..

It was a good omen!

I have dreamed of you

You were caught

but not in prison. I do not know

why they kept you in a mosque?

They kept you locked there..

Your guards were

big, strong men looking like beasts.

You've dragged yourself

behind the wooden door of

the mosque. Then I woke up!

why didn't you break the wooden gate of the mosque

that my mother saw you

trapped in in her dream?

Because it was a dream.

Wissal, now, tell your dream again.

Calmly, and with all the details involved.

First say "May it mean good"

May it mean good..

I saw that you were caught, but not in a prison cell..

right here..

in the Circassian mosque.

they dragged you..and closed the door..

you started to cry

and yell, and you screamed:

''Hey, you out there!, anybody!''

Nobody heard you...

Then you started to mumble

and to curse to yourself. You said:

There are no men in this city and...

Come on, Wissal, what did I say next.?

I can't - I'm shy to say it..

Tell me! - I don't dare say it!

Speak!

Cunts..

Allalah! Wake up, my son.

Enough sleeping.

Has father broken something?

Stop talking this nonsense..

Your father will bring you to school..

to school?

Yes, see, he's here already..

Get dressed, I'll open the door..

I'm here!

My god, how sweet is life when a

man has a home and a woman like you

Wissal, take these beans

and make us some coffee, we'll sip it from your hands..

You're not ready yet?

The clothes are hanged too high

Try these out, show your father you're a big man now

and you can get dressed alone.

-Good morning -Good morning

Look what I brought you.

A book and a pencil.

Say: God bless you, father

God bless you, father.

I told you on our wedding day

that our kid will go to school.

On that day I had no ink on my fingers

Yes, and you told me "Turn around"

I'm not covered!

Since that day you melted in my heart like that peice of sugar.

May you always be happy and safe.

So you have not forgotten anything..?

Can one forget something like that?

these were good times..

Father, these are like old mills in Hama..

Yes, just as the mills of Hama. Wissal?

Yes..?

When I was breaking your father's shop

my heart stopped when I saw the curtain

behind which I saw you for the first time..

O Lord!

Help me to overcome my toil

Come, my son, get on my back

Hold on good.

You'd think it was the Orontes

Over there the Yarmouk valley

And behind Palestine

repeat after me: Help me

to bear the burden of my worries

to bear the burden of my worries...

O Lord!

Help me, to find my way

We chanted that prayer during the fighting

in Palestine. Where?

In Palesrine

In Palestine

Look, we are in school

Come in, my son, come

Done with school?

Yes

So what you have learned today?

Guess!

I have no idea..

The teacher has given us of

recounts of the struggles and wars.

What did he say?

He said that men here

fought against the British and Jews ..

I told him that my father went along with them!

and also told him

the prayer you chanted during your fighting in Palestine

Bravo, well done, you should have

tought it to your schoolmates too.

Yes, I should've.

Did you tell him when I went?

No, father. when was it?

1936...and what a year it was..

The teacher told us to come tomorrow

with a shaved head to school.

shaved bald?

Look at the bright side, you won't be getting lice!

36,37,38. A quarter of a lireper head

without soap. Do you have soap?

I don't have any soap!

Let's go to Awad, my barber.

Look, dad.

The girls school are demonstrating.

Down with the partition resolution!

Down with the partition resolution!

We die for you, Palestine!

What are they saying?

Sons of our beloved Quneitra

the refugees are your guests

include them in your hearts

and be merciful to them

and kind

Make them feel at home.

and comfort them in their suffering

because they are separated

from their homes and from their men

Awad..

look at that

-What a sight -indeed.

Down with the partition resolution!

It seems that the spirit of '36

is gushing in my blood again.

On Kassam's soul I swear to you, yesterday

I dreamt of a voice that sounded like an angel

It still rings in my ears, Allalah!

She said

You have stained our soil, Awad! stand up!

What does this sign mean, steely hair?

Here you have steely hair

Here you have steely hair..

Shave it all off! I want to

come clean before my Creator

Let's make a bonfire, guys!

and burn the Jews and the Englishmen alike!

Here in the cafe, there's a phone

Tell them that we are in Quinetra.

Allalah, come, we're moving to palestine!

Which route? Marjayoun?

Hey! we're going through Marjayoun!

By Marjyoun to Palestine!

Is Mohamed Al Safa officer informed?

These are your comrades, right?

Yes, those are the mujahedin from 1936.

This is me, but on that day

the French assholes didn't let me go.

They won't get you this time.

How about we go together this time?

with the Liberation Army?

Yes, to Palestine!

Allalah, come here son.

Tell your mother, Father went with the

Liberation Army to bring oranges from Jaffa..

Khaled, Musatafa, come here, kids.

Don't forget closing the store at sunset.

and tell your mother

Father could not help it, he had to ride along

with the Liberation Army into Palestine, she knows where the money is.

Come, kids. We're taking a photo.

If we die in battle, the photo remains!

Revocation of the separation decision...

and confirmation

that Palestine is an Arab united land..

Write it down, write it in your memoirs.

for our future..

Come on, guys, a photo quickly, we want to

a photo, then we head to Palestine!

God bless you!

The photo's with me!

when you come back..

I'll make a copy for each of you!

Help me to overcome my toil.

I'm afraid that grandfather

will break my father's shop...

Khaled, Mustapha, look, the refugees.

They come from up there, near the Mermaleh!

I'm going!

perhaps my father is among them

perhaps my father too!

Mustapha, come with us!

Let's give her taste of the milk!

Go!

There's a good smell coming from your kitchen..

This tastes so good..

I'm hungry, give me something to eat.

That's Circassian. Do you understand it?

-No. -me neither.

Why are they all gathered?

Listening? Listening?

I heard ''Died in Palestine''

I'm afraid it's my dad.

I'm afraid it's my dad.

Are you back from school, kids?

My father is there, what a joy!

Your father is back!

You are crying. Why are you crying?

Come, I want to say goodbye.

He wants to say good-bye?

Why would he say that?

Dry my tears

I don't want to meet my God with a tearful eye.

What are you talking about?!

Don't check out on my mom from the hole, go away!

Your father is crying!

Look, the Jews are at out doorsteps!

Our honor is lost!

but you're healthy

Give me the stove

Give it to me already!

Why continue to live with this humiliation ?!

What's he doing..?

He's setting himself on fire!

Do you have lice?

Give me the damned matches!

I wonder if my father is also back?

He wants to sacrifice himself. He's burning!

Let me die!

Why go on living without you, Palestine?

My God, he's burning!

Will my father also be on fire?

Thank you God..

He's safe and sound..

Allalah, it's you?

Dad, I want to whisper something to you..

Go ahead.

Did you bring the oranges from Jaffa?

Just see who is coming to visit us!

President Kowalty!

I don't believe my eyes!

Long live president Choukri Kowalty!

Long live president Choukri Kowalty!

Long live president Choukri Kowalty!

Come, look at the President!

Hey, you're sleeping?! Wake up!

sleeping?

Wake up Son

Open up

Choukri Bey?

My God, I thought I was dreaming

What's up with you? Can't you see it's the president?

See who's there.

President Kowalty is there.

What brings him here?

Let's see what he wants.

Who's up there?

Who is knocking around on the roof?

Music! Ready for national salute!

Make space around here!

Right away!

Which one is the president?

The one wearing the Fez on his head?

No, the other one!

The one with the insignia on the shoulder.

Turn off the radio.

Enough with the petty talk.

Give me the butter

Hand me an egg, Hassan.

What's this shit ?

busy stealing and fighting?

This is the food you give to our soldiers ?!

He slapped him

God curse you! The Jews are there

keeping an eye on us even without binoculars

The Jews see us without binoculars!

Get out! Get out, boy. You too!

You don't understand?

No. Colonel Hanaoui is on the line

Yes, yes. Colonel Hanaoui is here

Nobody is on the front. None.

You don't hear me? Nobody is on

the front. Tell Col. Adeeb

that everything is unchanged.

and that he should act as planned

Emile, come fast to the house

Just now on the radio.

I heard on the Voice of America

that there was a coup d'etat in Syria...

coup d'etat?

What is a coup d'etat?

Is it a massacre?

Today, it is impossible

to take our daily stroll, my dear Toto..

because there is a coup d'Etat.

Success does not depend on the regime

but on the power on which the regime feeds itself.

Long live Syria

Among all the refugees no There's not one preacher

to read out the statement!

Sheik Nour, come down quickly and have a look.

Here you have revolutionary statement number one.

you announce it up from the minaret

What? Statement number one? why?

Why do you want me to announce it from the minaret?

These are the commands from high above.

Why are you laughing?

Come here..

Go back to your house.

Today there's no school, quickly, now!

President is here?

The president flew away. fly, fly ..

Do not cry, or I'll shoot you I promise.

Break the door to the Minaret.

What statement should I read?

Get moving, I don't have all day for you.

Have patience until I find the key.

The door is broken already

The President flew to Palestine?

He scrammed to his auntie.

Hurry up and take the door down.

This is the first revolutionary statement

to be beckoned to all people around the nation.

Take a Photo

to commemorate this glorious day.

Come on guys, gather around me.

Take the photo.

Stay still!

First statement.

Driven..

By our national pride

and deeply hurt

by the misheavels in our country.

"Fire and gunpowder to bring our land

and expel the Jews".

chant, children, keep chanting.

driven by our national pride

and deeply hurt

Today, I'll buy you the uniform.

that you always wanted to wear. Walk ahead of me..

And the goal of our actions.

will be setting righteous rule.

To die for you is sweet, my Palestine.

So we became obliged

to hold the reins of security and safety

of our beloved country.

For each attempt at the wellbeing of our nation..

Dad, I want to stay with the protest

Please Dad.

Let the boy chant with them.

I want to go with them, dad.

Go inside!

what a scam!

Still standing around ?!

Dad, If I go now I can catch up with the protests.

Take the magnet and collect these nails !

It hurt my foot!

Goddamn this cursed morning..

It hurts?

Stand up son, step on your foot

Let's head home.

You're right, best thing is stay at one's home.

Why are you early from school today?

Me and dad are here

because all town is closed today.

and why did they bring you back from school?

I don't know

Before the bell rang

One of the teachers fought

with our history teacher and held slogans

Why's the teachers fighting each other?

Because the president fled

and the solider took the microphone

His voice filling the whole world

Hurry, take your clothes off and let me bathe you.

-I can't. -Why?

Come closer, I'll tell you..

Dad hit me with the magnet

because I was with the protesters.

Mom, you know when dad hit me

I felt like a spark in my eyes.

I'd go blind for your eyes my soul.

you know that's not like your father..

put him on the floor

so his foot would heal faster.

Dry him up, you must be hungry.

I'm going to get the food ready.

I told mom, how I went to the protest and you took me

Did you also tell her why I hit you?

Why did you hit me dad?

-You don't know? -No I swear

I didn't mean to..

Dad, I want to ask you a question

Ask.

Why were you not happy today?

Tommorow you'll grow, son. and you'll know..

Food is almost done.

I feel bad for making you guys hungry today

I feel like I'm suffocating, Wissal..

Don't say that

What's wrong?

I'm heartbroken, deep inside..

You're not acting like yourself.

tell me, what's causing you despair?

What I witnessed today broke my heart, Wissal..

What's this crap? Switch it off!

Turn off this shit!

Turn it off before I break it on your head you son of a bitch

Turn it off! Turn it off!

you're raising the volume!

the hell with it and whoever brought you to life

instead of defeating the jews you faggots

all you do is occupy radio stations..

go inside

I beg you, don't get into any trouble

the hell with the coup, let's have a normal day for a change.

open up! for your sake, oepn the door!

Hurry up! open!

Open the door before we break it on your head.

Stay here.

Sleep, son. sleep.

You don't like the radio, assyhole, Ha?!

Who would show up now?

Enough, mind the boy, don't let him see that.

Alright, alright, I got it. Nobody's running!

Don't you know we show no mercy, you scum!

You think it's loose around here ?!

Step on it!

I'll show you, we'll skin you alive.

I swear I'll make you forget what your mom's milk tastes like.

My god, why do they do this to us..?

Wissal, that's your new home.

The neighbourhood here might be safer.

Put down the luggage and settle in.

I'm going to the mosque.

Don't wait for me.

like I said, don't wait for me.

Dad!

She told me that

what remained of his image in her memory

became vague and blurry.

She tells the tale

and I recall your voice.

Your voice that has come to resemble moving lips

in a silent picture.

Dad!

Dad!

You worried me, where were you?

Outside.

With who?

Alone, I was watching the moon

Wake me before the morning prayer.

I have some work to do.

work..? what work?

secret.

now you have secrets and hold it back from your mom.

just like your dad

Everytime she told me the story of the death of my father.

and everytime I told her my story of his death

She looked me with bewilderment and confusion.

Shes stops talking and lowers her gaze.

and lets the flow of memories and imagination take hold..

I felt the thorns of the questions against my throat.

Afterwards, we got used to complying with the passions and memories.

without feelings of the overbearing determinism.

Everything has become flavoured with the scents and remembrances of things past.

She would tell me, forty years have passed, my son.

I tell her, twenty years, mother.

and though we realized that now

the real difference wasn't in those twenty years.

I would succumb into longing for lapses into the past..

and sometimes into the netherworlds..

Mom, is that Palestine?

No, that's Quneitra.

and in words, the power of the will might be defeated.

It could defeat the mind.

But the spirit, on most ocassions, it would defeat us both together.

The End.

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