The 10-year journey of a Syrian refugee girl named Israa highlights the struggles of families
forced to leave their homes because of war. Israa was only 11 years old when she left Aleppo,
Syria, with her parents and siblings in 2015. Their journey to Europe was dangerous, but they
hoped to find safety and a better future. Their experiences are now featured in a documentary
titled One in a Million.

Filmmakers Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes first met Israa in Izmir, Turkey. At that time, she was
helping her father sell cigarettes to collect money for their journey. Their home in Aleppo had
been destroyed by a missile, forcing the family to escape.

Before crossing the sea from Turkey to Greece, Israa spoke confidently about how her family
would survive if their boat sank. However, her father, Tarek, was extremely worried about the
safety of his children. Many refugee families faced similar dangers, including fake life jackets
that could not protect children from drowning.

After reaching Greece, the family continued travelling through Europe by trains and buses. They
faced cold weather, heavy rain, and difficult conditions. Israa carried her baby brother while her
parents pushed her disabled sister in a wheelchair.

The family eventually settled in Cologne, Germany. Israa learned German within five months,
joined school, and made new friends. However, adjusting to a new country was difficult for her
father. Before leaving Syria, Tarek owned a popular falafel restaurant in Aleppo. In Germany, he
struggled to rebuild his life.

As Israa grew older, her relationship with her father became difficult. At the age of 14, she told
MacInnes that her father had physically hurt her. The filmmakers stopped recording and focused
on her safety.

The documentary shows how war, migration, and family challenges can change lives over time.
It also highlights the courage of refugees who leave everything behind to build a safer future.

Source: Documentary One in a Million and filmmakers Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes

Fatima Khan