Abel was deported with his parents, two brothers and sisters to Der-el-Zor. His father and mother died of exhaustion. A few days after their arrival the massacres by thousands began. Armenians were driven by force into the desert of Syria and killed by thousands in the most savage way.

            Abel fled with another little boy to a valley and hid themselves several hours. An Arab was passing there and saw them. He wanted to kill them but they threw themselves in the Euphrates and saved themselves in this way. On the other river [bank] two Arab women were standing and when Abel crossed the river they took him to their house. Abel lived nine years among the Arabs as a shepherd, but he remained Armenian until the end.

            He heard about our agent in Hassitshe and fled by the first opportunity to him. Our Hassitshe agent sent him later by motor-car to our Reception house here in Aleppo.

Left our care: June 14, 1924. Relatives.