Oh Children of the World

This week, I heard a beautiful song called ya atfal al 3lim or “Oh Children of the World.” Apparently, its a very famous song – as the story goes a young Syrian girl named Hala sang it in Arabic, Italian, Turkish, Spanish.. you name it.. at the United Nations. Everyone here was surprised I had not heard it before.

I’m not sure if an English version exists – but after hearing it sung at Zaatari Camp this week by a young Syrian from Deraa, I have fallen in love with the song. Though its much more beautiful in Arabic/Italian, with help from a friend, the translation is below – along with some pictures from Zaatari.

Sing with us for our childhood,

oh children of the world

With your happiness and our happiness,

we build the world’s glory

We are from the homeland of freedom,

and we call you from Syria.

oh children of the world

 

Let’s call to those older than us,

our future is in your hands

So that no one forgets about us  – and protects us

Until we grow up like a green branch,

a grain of wheat becomes a whole field,

and our knowledge becomes larger,

Oh children of the world

Do not forget the children deprived – in every country occupied

Or children living oppressed

Or a tear burning in his eye

No to hunger and no to injustice

No to despair and no to fear

No to ignorance and no to violence

around the world

Oh Children of the World