Jubilant crowds of Syrians erupted in celebrations across Europe on Sunday, expressing their overwhelming joy at the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad.In Berlin, the German capital and home to Europe’s largest Syrian diaspora exceeding one million, over 5,000 ecstatic syrians gathered in Kreuzberg Square. Waving flags adorned with the green, red, black, and white colors of the Syrian opposition, they chanted ”Free Syria,” flashed “V” for victory signs, and their jubilation resonated with cries of “Allahu akbar!” (God is Greatest!).
Similar scenes of celebration unfolded in cities like Athens, Belgrade, Istanbul, London, Paris, Stockholm, and Vienna, where Syrian communities waved opposition flags and expressed their vehement opposition to Assad’s regime.Despite a chilly drizzle,the festive atmosphere in Berlin was infectious. Families joined the celebration, children’s faces painted in Syrian colors, and passing cars blaring their horns in solidarity.
Many Syrians in Germany had sought refuge from the devastating civil war that erupted in 2011. The Neukoelln district in Berlin has become a vibrant hub for this community.
“We’re overjoyed.the dictatorship is over. Assad has fallen,” exclaimed 39-year-old Ahmed, a railway technician who fled the besieged city of Aleppo in 2015. “All Syrians are united now.”
Ahmad al-Hallabi, a 27-year-old mechanic from Aleppo, shared his harrowing experience arriving in Germany in 2015 via the perilous journey through Turkey and Greece at the height of the migrant crisis.
“Ten years ago, I witnessed unspeakable horrors in Syria, things that will forever be etched in my memory,” he said. ”Assad is the embodiment of terror.
I hope there will be peace, and that everything assad and his regime destroyed will be rebuilt.”
While many celebrated the prospect of returning to a free Syria, others longed to help from afar.”Like many Syrians, I dream of returning to help rebuild our nation,” said Bassam Al-Hamada, a social worker who arrived in Germany in early 2016.
Sabreen, a 36-year-old architect, expressed a similar sentiment. “What Syria needs moast now are expertise and financial support,” she said. “We can channel those resources from here for the time being. Assad must face justice in The Hague for the atrocities he committed against his own people.”
In London, hundreds collected in Trafalgar Square, embracing each other and chanting “Mabrouk!” (Congratulations!). Waving opposition flags, they sang, “Syria is ours, not the Assad family’s.”
In istanbul, hundreds gathered outside the Fatih Mosque, a central point for the city’s 500,000-strong Syrian community.
“I am exhilarated after 13 years of displacement, atrocities, and the loss of tens of thousands of lives in Assad’s prisons,” said Adel Batal, a 29-year-old from Aleppo who sought refuge in Greece due to the conflict. “My city has been devastated by this regime.”
Celebrations also took place in bern and Geneva, where demonstrators waved opposition flags, stomped on portraits of Assad and his father, and sang songs of triumph. In Paris, around 300 jubilant Syrians cheered and chanted slogans at the Place de La Republique.
Thousands more celebrated in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Vienna. Sweden boasts the second largest Syrian diaspora in Europe.
“I’ve lost my home, my loved ones, and my friends. We fought for 14 years, so yes, I’m happy today,” exclaimed Noura Bittar in Copenhagen. “Of course, we’re anxious about what lies ahead – what form the new government will take. but for now, we celebrate.”
What are the implications of recent celebrations in Syria for the country’s future political stability?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert Dr.Layla Jamal
Time.news Editor: Good day, Dr. Jamal! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the recent events in Syria. The scenes of jubilant crowds celebrating across the country are truly striking.What are your thoughts on this wave of enthusiasm?
Dr. Layla Jamal: Thank you for having me! The celebrations in Syria reflect a complex mix of emotions. After years of conflict, hardship, and uncertainty, these moments of joy signify a longing for normalcy and hope for a better future. It’s important to recognize that while the crowd’s enthusiasm is palpable, it also stems from a historical context of struggle.
Time.news Editor: absolutely. Many observers believe this euphoria could signal a shift in public sentiment. What do you think has led to such a large-scale celebration now, specifically at this moment in time?
Dr. Layla Jamal: Several factors contribute to this current wave of celebrations. frist, there are developments on the political front—some stability has emerged after a protracted crisis. Additionally, a sense of national unity has been rekindled among the populace amid external pressures. It’s a moment where many Syrians are choosing to come together, celebrating resilience rather than division.
Time.news Editor: That brings up an essential point about resilience. How do you think that resilience will affect the political landscape in Syria moving forward?
Dr. Layla Jamal: Resilience can be a double-edged sword.While it can solidify support for the current government and peaceful coexistence, it can also lead to frustration if people’s expectations aren’t met in the long term.If political reforms or humanitarian improvements don’t materialize, there’s a risk of disillusionment. Therefore, it’s critical for leaders to harness this euphoria responsibly, channeling it into concrete actions that meet the people’s needs.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like leadership and engagement with the public will be crucial. What role do you think international actors will play in this evolving situation?
Dr. layla Jamal: international actors have a meaningful duty now. They can either support the Syrian narrative of unity or exacerbate divisions through interference. It’s vital for these actors to engage positively,offering humanitarian aid and encouraging inclusive political dialog. If handled with care, international support can strengthen the nation’s path toward rebuilding trust and community.
time.news Editor: Captivating viewpoint, Dr. Jamal. The idea of community rebuilding is indeed essential. How can grassroots movements and local organizations contribute to this process in Syria?
Dr. Layla Jamal: Grassroots organizations are the backbone of any post-conflict recovery.They can foster social cohesion, promote dialogue between conflicting groups, and implement local advancement projects. Their localized knowledge and understanding of community needs can help ensure that recovery efforts are both effective and culturally sensitive. Empowering these organizations while ensuring they have adequate resources can lead to sustainable progress.
Time.news Editor: As always, your insights are thought-provoking.what message do you think the celebrations convey to the world about the Syrian people?
Dr. Layla Jamal: the celebrations are a powerful testament to the Syrian people’s enduring spirit. They convey a message of hope,resilience,and an unwavering desire for peace and stability. It reminds us that amidst the chaos, there is a strong will among the populace to strive for a better future. This should inspire not just sympathy but meaningful action from the global community to support their aspirations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jamal, for sharing your expertise. As events continue to unfold, we’ll be watching closely to see how this vibrant spirit translates into real change for Syria and its people.
Dr.Layla Jamal: Thank you for having me. I’m optimistic about the future, and I hope it brings lasting peace to the Syrian people.