Syrian Americans in Chicago celebrate fall of Assad regime

A joyous crowd of several hundred Syrian Americans from the Chicago area rallied downtown Sunday, celebrating their country’s newfound freedom from the Assad regime.

The revelers filled the Congress Plaza Garden at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wells Street, singing in Arabic, dancing and waving large three-star Syrian flags, which predate the Assad government and were adopted by the revolutionaries that overthrew it.

Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, whose family ruled over the country for 50 years, fled to Russia on Sunday after a rebel advance seized control of the Syrian capital Damascus. It brought an end to a nearly 14-year civil war and a decades-long dynasty.

For many, like Salem Bara from Chicago, the end of the Assad government is something they always hoped for but never expected to see in their lifetime.

"It feels like this is a dream," Bara said. "We never thought this would happen that fast, but we're very excited for the future of Syria and our people."

Bara said his uncle was one of many people the Assad government had jailed. His family hasn't heard from him since.

"So many have gone to jail that people were scared the whole time," Bara said. "We are very grateful that decades of fear is over. There is a lot for us to be celebrating today."

Qutaba Alzoubi stood at the top of the plaza’s steps, waving a large Syrian flag with his cousin, who fled the country two years ago, he said.

"He has seen everything, and his uncle died during the war," Alzoubi said. "But that's why we're out here. We're doing it for him and to show our support for Syrian people."

Many who attended the rally carried signs with messages celebrating the end of Assad’s rule.

“The feeling of freedom cannot be explained,” one sign read. Another stated, “Let the Ummah’s heart beat as one,” referring to the international Muslim community.

Some brought balloons that they released into the air, while others passed out traditional Syrian foods. At one point, small fireworks were set off close to Michigan Avenue.

"Everyone is very happy and hopeful for a better Syria and to be able to return someday," said Layanne Malluhi, of Lake View.

Malluhi said she's had many extended family members who were jailed in Syria for speaking up and rebelling against the Assad regime.

With the Assad government having ended, Malluhi said she's left feeling hopeful that Syria can rebuild into something stronger.

"A better future for us is possible, and we can have a Syria that is livable and a country that is much better than it was before," Malluhi said.

Contributing: Associated Press