On the evening of July 5th, a night that forever changed lives in Xinjiang’s capital, Urumqi, survivor Gao Wenhong faced an unimaginable horror.
At around 8:40 PM, Gao and 11 of her family members were crossing the street near the People’s Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region when they were suddenly surrounded and attacked. The assailants showed no mercy, targeting everyone—young and old alike.
Gao’s elderly mother-in-law, in her seventies, suffered a broken arm. Gao witnessed her second sister beaten so severely that she lost an eye, and sadly, her third sister did not survive the assault. Amid the chaos, Gao found her elder daughter, who held her mother close, touching her face to offer comfort. This poignant moment resonated deeply with many.
“I could only watch as my family suffered. Such desperation alone could kill you,” Gao reflects on that devastating night.
The Path to Healing
In the aftermath, Gao and her family moved to Shanghai, spending ten years away from Urumqi in an attempt to heal. However, distance could not erase the painful memories. Ultimately, Gao returned to her hometown, determined to rebuild her life.
“I used to be afraid of being recognized, but today, I am no longer,” she says, highlighting her journey towards healing and empowerment.
Gao’s story is among those featured in the documentary “Darkness Over Urumqi,” which explores the personal experiences of survivors. By sharing these stories, there is hope that such tragedies can be prevented in the future, fostering discussions about the past and promoting understanding.
Reference(s):
The Face of July 5th: Surviving Xinjiang's Worst Terrorist Attack
cgtn.com
