The fall of President Bashar al-Assad sparks jubilant gatherings in New York City, as Syrians reflect on their struggles and newfound hope for the future.
Syria's Assad Regime Topples: Celebrations Erupt in NYC
Syria's Assad Regime Topples: Celebrations Erupt in NYC
Syrian expatriates and allies unite in Washington Square Park to rejoice over regime change after years of conflict.
Around 100 people gathered in Washington Square Park on Sunday to celebrate a momentous event: the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria after rebel forces took control of the capital. Syrian expatriates, alongside supporters, rejoiced with drums and traditional Arabic revolutionary songs, participating in a lively dabke dance while displaying the Syrian opposition flag adorned in green, white, and black with its three red stars.
Chants against Assad rang through the air as many attendees shared humorous thoughts about his rumored asylum in Russia. In a spirited environment, baklava and shawarma were readily distributed to further commemorate the event.
Marcelle Shehwaro, 40, an activist from Aleppo, expressed a cautious optimism despite the uncertainty about Syria's future. “I want to focus on this historical moment before thinking about what lies ahead,” she stated in Arabic. Shehwaro's activism against the regime forced her to leave the country in 2014 after the tragic loss of her mother at the hands of government forces.
Her triumphs are mirrored in the sentiments of fellow attendees. Hazem Alanani, 33, who works in healthcare IT and left Syria in 2019, described his emotions in light of this weekend's developments. “I broke down crying many times when I realized what had happened,” he shared, recalling how the dreams of regime change felt distant for years. “What we fought for is finally coming to fruition.”
As the celebrations continued, a sense of hope mingled with joy, as many in attendance dared to dream of a future free from oppression after a long and arduous struggle.
Chants against Assad rang through the air as many attendees shared humorous thoughts about his rumored asylum in Russia. In a spirited environment, baklava and shawarma were readily distributed to further commemorate the event.
Marcelle Shehwaro, 40, an activist from Aleppo, expressed a cautious optimism despite the uncertainty about Syria's future. “I want to focus on this historical moment before thinking about what lies ahead,” she stated in Arabic. Shehwaro's activism against the regime forced her to leave the country in 2014 after the tragic loss of her mother at the hands of government forces.
Her triumphs are mirrored in the sentiments of fellow attendees. Hazem Alanani, 33, who works in healthcare IT and left Syria in 2019, described his emotions in light of this weekend's developments. “I broke down crying many times when I realized what had happened,” he shared, recalling how the dreams of regime change felt distant for years. “What we fought for is finally coming to fruition.”
As the celebrations continued, a sense of hope mingled with joy, as many in attendance dared to dream of a future free from oppression after a long and arduous struggle.
