Winnipeggers who fled Syria say toppling of Assad regime brings feelings ‘beyond happiness’

The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has brought tears of joy to Winnipeggers and reignited their hopes for the country’s future. Tens of thousands of Syrians are celebrating the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, after rebels successfully entered the city and toppled the longtime ruler. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions launched a lightning offensive on Nov. 27, leading to the regime’s downfall.

In Winnipeg, dozens of people gathered at the Manitoba Legislature despite the blowing snow, to mark what they see as a pivotal moment in Syria’s history. They are hopeful for a future built on democracy, peace, and freedom. Maysoun Darweesh, an executive director of the Kurdish Initiative for Refugees in Winnipeg, expressed her elation at the news, stating that she had waited for this moment her entire life.

Syrian opposition flags waved in the air as chants of unity reverberated through the crowd, symbolizing their resistance against the ruling al-Assad family. Darweesh, who hails from Latakia, a city on Syria’s west coast, fled her homeland in 2008 and arrived in Canada in 2012. She still has family in Latakia and is optimistic about the changes taking place in Syria, although she acknowledges that the road to rebuilding will be long and challenging.

The Syrian people’s triumph over 13 years of civil war culminated in the storming of the presidential palace in Damascus, with Assad fleeing to Moscow, according to Russian state media. Kerim Abed, a Syrian filmmaker now living in Canada, emphasized the need for international support to restore freedom and rebuild Syria. He is determined to return to Syria and contribute to the nation’s reconstruction.

Shler Ali, co-owner of Daanook, a restaurant in Winnipeg serving Syrian-inspired cuisine, fled Syria over a decade ago and never imagined the possibility of returning. She is thrilled by the regime’s downfall and believes that Syrians will work together to rebuild their communities and reintegrate people. Ali’s friends in Syria were initially in disbelief at the news but have since embraced the reality of an Assad-free country.

Despite the daunting task ahead, both Darweesh and Ali are hopeful for a future where Syria is governed by a representative government that upholds justice and equality for all its citizens. They emphasize the need for global investment in Syria’s reconstruction and urge the Canadian government and other nations to provide support. As celebrations continue in Winnipeg and around the world, Syrians are allowing themselves to bask in the joy of this momentous occasion, as they look towards a brighter future for their homeland.