Let us transform our pain into purpose and our hope into action
Originally published on Global Voices
Syria Revolution Flags. Image created via Canva Pro by Rami Alhames.
December 8, 2024, is a day that will forever resonate in the hearts of Syrians as a beacon of hope and rebirth. Today, we celebrate the long-awaited fall of Bashar al-Assad, a tyrant who held Syria in his iron grip for more than 13 agonizing years since the 2011 uprising and after his family ruled the country for 54 years. This moment, steeped in the blood, sweat, and tears of countless brave Syrians, signifies the dawn of a new era for a nation yearning for freedom and justice.
The news of Assad’s escape to Russia spread like wildfire, igniting jubilation across Syria and among Syrians in exile. It is a day we dreamed of, prayed for, and fought to achieve. For too long, we bore witness to the destruction of our homeland, the loss of our loved ones, and the unimaginable suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians. Today, those years of anguish transform into a collective sigh of relief and a surge of hope.
The journey to this historic moment has been nothing short of arduous. In March 2011, when the Syrian people first took to the streets demanding dignity, freedom, and reform, they faced a regime that responded with bullets and bombs. The peaceful demonstrations of the Arab Spring were met with the brute force of a dictatorship desperate to cling to power. Over the years, the conflict escalated into a devastating civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
For 54 years, the Assad regime symbolized oppression, fear, and destruction. Entire cities were reduced to rubble, and for the last 13 years, families were torn apart by barrel bombs, chemical attacks, and mass detentions. Yet, amid the darkness, the resilience of the Syrian people shone brightly. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens risked everything to document the regime’s atrocities, to keep the spirit of resistance alive, and to remind the world of Syria’s plight.
This our revolution
This #daraya the town of 1000 under torture martyrs pic.twitter.com/12c9JSDGRA— Afraa.hashem (@3fra2_hashem) July 27, 2018
The international community’s response often wavered between indifference and ineffectiveness. The Assad regime’s alliances with Russia and Iran, Hezbollah, and even Arab silence fortified its grip on power, prolonging the suffering of the Syrian people. But Syrians never gave up. From the refugee camps in neighboring countries to the streets of liberated towns, the dream of a free Syria remained undeterred.
‘Hamza Al-Khateeb Catching Assad.’ Art from Brazilian political cartoonist Carlos Latuff, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Al-Khateeb was a 13-year-old Syrian boy who was killed while in the custody of the Syrian government in Daraa in April 2011. His death triggered mass demonstrations against the regime.
As Syrians, we know this victory did not come easily. It is the result of years of sacrifices made by our martyrs, the tireless efforts of freedom fighters, and the unyielding voices of activists who refused to be silenced. It is a triumph born of unity, solidarity, and an unshakable faith in the principles of liberty and human dignity.
With Assad gone, Syria stands at the threshold of a new beginning. The road ahead will not be without challenges. Rebuilding a nation devastated by war requires time, resources, and, above all, reconciliation. But for the first time in over a decade, we can envision a future where Syrians can live in peace, free from fear and oppression.
This moment is an opportunity to heal the wounds of the past and forge a path toward a democratic and inclusive society. It is a chance to rebuild our institutions, restore the rule of law, and ensure that the voices of all Syrians — regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation — are heard and respected.
The return of refugees to their homeland will be a poignant symbol of Syria’s renewal. Families who were forced to flee will finally be able to reunite, to reclaim their homes, and to contribute to the rebuilding of their country. The children who grew up in camps or exile will now have the opportunity to thrive in a free and stable Syria.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember that the work of rebuilding Syria begins now. It is a task that requires the participation of all Syrians, both at home and abroad. Together, we can lay the foundation for a nation rooted in justice, equality, and freedom.
Let us commit to a future where the horrors of the past are never repeated. Let us ensure that our children grow up in a Syria where they can dream freely and achieve their full potential. Let us transform our pain into purpose and our hope into action in “Syria, homeland of free people and freedom,” said Malek Jandali, a Syrian-American composer and pianist, in his December 8th commemorative anthem.
ســـــــوريـا ســــــــــوريـا وطن الأحرار والحرّية pic.twitter.com/2ggxK6t4V3
— Malek Jandali | مالك جندلي (@MalekJandali) December 8, 2024
Syria! Homeland of free people and land of freedom.
Syria, Syria! Land of the golden grain.
Oh my country, cradle of civilizations, Its heritage inspired scribes.
Homeland of the honorable, resting place of the martyrs.
Our sun shines bright, our eagle soars in the highest skies.
Oh my country, river of virtues. Its glory is engraved in tablets and stones. Homeland of the prophets, the alphabet and music.
We pray to God, never to part from my country, my family, the olive groves of my grandfathers, and the children's hands.
Land of free people and home of freedom.
Syria Syria! Homeland of free people and land of freedom.
