The downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has sparked mixed emotions among Syrians living in London. While some feel relief and hope, others remain anxious about their country’s uncertain future. After decades of rule by the Assad family, the regime collapsed following a rapid offensive by rebel forces. Syrians in exile now share their thoughts on this historic moment and what lies ahead.
A Dream Come True for Many
Amr Shayah, a refugee in London, described the moment as surreal. “I feel like I’m in a dream and don’t want to wake up,” he said. Forced to flee Syria after threats to his life, Amr has been celebrating with friends and family. “Witnessing Assad’s downfall is something I never thought I’d live to see,” he added.
Once an aviation engineer and activist, Amr fled Syria during the civil war after being arrested and narrowly escaping a second detainment. Despite his joy, he acknowledged the challenges ahead. “This is only the first step towards a free Syria,” he said, emphasizing the need to hold Assad accountable for his crimes.
A Complex Mix of Emotions
For others, like 19-year-old student Lujin Arnous, the moment is bittersweet. “I didn’t celebrate. It’s hard to feel happy knowing what my family is still going through,” she explained. Her relatives in Syria live in constant fear, as Israeli airstrikes continue to target areas to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands.
Lujin expressed her hopes for a democratic Syria. “We just want to elect our government and live freely,” she said. However, she recognized that rebuilding the country would take generations. “Even if the war ends, starvation and shattered families will remain. It will require the sacrifice and skills of Syrians in exile to rebuild our homeland.”
The Burden of Exile
For many Syrians in London, exile has been a painful necessity. Abdulaziz Almashi, founder of the Syria Solidarity Campaign, organized a demonstration in Trafalgar Square to mark Assad’s fall. While he felt relief, he also acknowledged the deep challenges facing Syrians.
“We never wanted to be refugees. We love our country and want to return,” he said. A cyber security expert, Abdulaziz has spent years campaigning for Syria while worrying about his loved ones back home. “Syrians abroad send support to families who would otherwise starve,” he explained, underscoring the critical role of the diaspora in sustaining those still in Syria.
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The Long Road Ahead
Despite Assad’s departure, Syrians remain cautious. Many fear the rise of another dictatorship or continued instability. The United Nations reports that over 14 million Syrians have fled their homes since 2011, seeking safety abroad.
While Syrians in London feel relief at Assad’s fall, the reality for their families back home tempers their joy. Most agree that rebuilding Syria will require international support, sacrifice from exiled Syrians, and a commitment to justice and unity.
For now, Syrians in exile hold onto their vision of a unified, peaceful homeland—one that offers equity and freedom for all.
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