Summary

In 1942, Palestine, Bashir's family travels together to take him to a mosque for his blessing. Bashir is doted on by his family, and turns three as the war ends. Another boy, Bhajat, is born to the family. Bashir is known for being shy and reserved. The family is shocked when they learn their hometown, Al-Ramla, will be on the border of a new Jewish state being formed in Palestine. Near their home, attacks are made and people are killed. Refugees from other cities begin flooding into town. Al-Ramla soon becomes a battlefield. Ahmad is nearly killed by a bombing in town and removes his family to safety. War wages in the town, and eventually the Israelis conquer the territory, driving out all the Arab residents.

On the other side of the issue, Solia's cousin, Yitzhaki, immigrates to Jerusalem...