Imagine being just nine years old and having your school day turned into a nightmare. 😔 That's exactly what happened to Odai Shanah, a student at the Islamic Center of San Diego, who lived through a terrifying shooting this past Monday morning.
Odai described the sheer panic of the moment, recalling how he and his classmates huddled together in a closet, trembling as gunshots echoed through the building. The fear was palpable, and the experience was far beyond what any child should ever have to face. 🏫💔
The evacuation was equally harrowing. As SWAT teams cleared the building room by room, Odai and other students were led out, passing the bodies of victims along the way—a sight that leaves a lasting mark on anyone, let alone a young student.
Odai, whose mother is a Gaza refugee and whose father emigrated from Jordan, opened up about the physical and emotional toll the ordeal took on him. "My legs were shaking and my hands and my head were like hurting a lot; I felt like a rock," he shared. 🕊️
It is a sobering reminder of the impact of violence on the most vulnerable members of our community. Our hearts go out to Odai and everyone affected by this tragedy. Stay strong, San Diego. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
