One year after a rocket struck a playground in Majdal Shams, the town continues to mourn the 12 children who lost their lives during a violent exchange between Israel and Hezbollah.
The attack, which occurred in the Golan Heights amid escalating cross-border tensions in mid-2024, left a lasting mark on the community.
The missile hit as children played during a break from school. Victims included 16-year-old Nazem and 9-year-old Jivara, among others, whose families now face an emotional struggle few can imagine.
The playground, once filled with laughter, stands quiet—its silence a painful symbol of what was lost.
Israel attributed the attack to Hezbollah forces operating from southern Lebanon, though the group has denied involvement.
No independent investigation has confirmed responsibility, leaving the incident surrounded by dispute and tension.
In the year since the tragedy, residents of Majdal Shams have focused on recovery, though healing has been slow.
Mental health services are limited in the area, and local volunteers have taken on much of the burden to support grieving families.
Many parents say their children were victims of a war they had no part in.
Despite their grief, the community has rejected revenge.
Families have spoken of their desire for peace and stability, hoping future generations will not suffer the same fate.
Local leaders continue to call for solutions that prioritize safety over conflict.
Majdal Shams, located in a region long shaped by political friction, now carries another layer of trauma. The rocket strike that shattered its sense of safety has left scars not only on buildings but in hearts.
As the first anniversary passes, the town remembers its lost children with sorrow, unity, and a quiet plea for peace—a future where no child faces such danger in a place meant for play.