Two Years After Almaa's Death in Hezbollah Rocket Attack, Family Honors Her Legacy

Almaa Fakhr Eldin, an 11-year-old girl killed by a Hezbollah rocket strike on a soccer field in Majdal Shams nearly two years ago, is remembered by her mother Nayla as a special child full of dreams and talents. In a recent interview marking the second anniversary of the tragedy, Nayla described Almaa as a joyful and gifted girl who excelled in basketball, singing, painting, and spoke four languages: Arabic, Hebrew, English, and German. Almaa aspired to become a lawyer and study at prestigious universities including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Munich, and Harvard.

Nayla emphasized that Almaa's big dreams were nurtured by a loving home environment that valued humanity and optimism. Despite the dangers in Majdal Shams, Almaa was fearless, even filming herself during rocket sirens, expressing faith in divine protection. The family has channeled their grief into commemorative initiatives, including collaborations with the Israeli Basketball Association and the Yedidut Foundation, and recently established the "Almaa Award" for law students.

Nayla shared that keeping Almaa's memory alive through these projects helps sustain her spirit and impact others. She acknowledged the family's ongoing struggle with loss but expressed gratitude for the lessons learned and the hope inspired by Almaa's legacy. The attack that killed Almaa and other children who simply wanted to play and live in peace remains a profound wound for the Majdal Shams community, which has also filed a major lawsuit against Hezbollah.