The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo: A remarkable true story of courage, hope and survival

Written by Alaa Aljaleel and Diana Darke

Narrated by Peter Noble

From Diana Darke, the acclaimed author of My House in Damascus and The Merchant of Syria, comes the extraordinary true story of a heroic ambulance driver who created a cat sanctuary in the midst of war-torn Aleppo.

"I'll stay with them no matter what happens. Someone who has mercy in his heart for humans has mercy for every living thing."

When war came to Alaa Aljaleel's hometown, he made a remarkable decision to stay behind, caring for the people and animals caught in the crossfire. While thousands were forced to flee, Alaa spent his days carrying out perilous rescue missions in his makeshift ambulance and building a sanctuary for the city's abandoned cats.

In turn, he created something unique: a place of tranquility for children living through the bombardment and a glimmer of hope for those watching in horror around the world. As word of Alaa's courage and dedication spread, the kindness of strangers enabled him to feed thousands of local families and save hundreds of animals. But with the city under siege, time was running out for the last sanctuary in Aleppo and Alaa was about to face his biggest challenge yet...

This is the first memoir about the war in Syria from a civilian who remains there to this day, providing both a shocking insider account as well as an inspiring tale about how one person's actions can make a difference against all odds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Headline
• Release date: Mar 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781472260543

Alaa Aljaleel

Alaa Aljaleel is an electrician turned ambulance driver from Aleppo. Since the Syrian civil war broke out, he has been working tirelessly to save the lives of both people and animals, and is the founder of Ernesto's House, a sanctuary for abandoned animals in Aleppo.

Reviews for The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo

[zmagic69 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Something happens , in times of crises, where select individuals rise above all others.
The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo tells the story of Alaa Aljaleel a man who finds the strength to help both his fellow humans as well as the many cats affected by the war in Syria.
This is a tough book to get through.
1. The subject of the book Alaa is not a book author, nor were the translators who, through text, Facebook posts, Facebook messenger,and cellphone calls were able to get this man’s story so it could be told.
2. This war has been horrific for the people of Syria, the use of chemical weapons, and crude but highly lethal Bombs is barbaric. And it is brought to a personal level.
Seek out this book if you love animals- especially cats, if you believe there is still some good in the world- even when is seems there isn’t any, or if you want to read about a truly special person.

This book is not easily purchased in America but you can order it on Amazon or from Book Depository.