Syrian Individuals in Chicago have a good time fall of Assad regime

December 9, 2024

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A joyous crowd of a number of hundred Syrian Individuals from the Chicago space rallied downtown Sunday, celebrating their nation’s newfound freedom from the Assad regime.

The revelers stuffed the Congress Plaza Backyard on the southeast nook of Michigan Avenue and Wells Avenue, singing in Arabic, dancing and waving massive three-star Syrian flags, which predate the Assad authorities and have been adopted by the revolutionaries that overthrew it.

Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, whose household dominated over the nation for 50 years, fled to Russia on Sunday after a insurgent advance seized management of the Syrian capital Damascus. It introduced an finish to an almost 14-year civil battle and a decades-long dynasty.

For a lot of, like Salem Bara from Chicago, the top of the Assad authorities is one thing they all the time hoped for however by no means anticipated to see of their lifetime.

“It seems like it is a dream,” Bara mentioned. “We by no means thought this might occur that quick, however we’re very excited for the way forward for Syria and our folks.”

Bara mentioned his uncle was one in every of many individuals the Assad authorities had jailed. His household hasn’t heard from him since.

“So many have gone to jail that folks have been scared the entire time,” Bara mentioned. “We’re very grateful that many years of concern is over. There’s a lot for us to be celebrating immediately.”

Salem Bara says his uncle has been imprisoned underneath dictator Bashar Assad in Syria and the household hasn’t gotten phrase from him.

Qutaba Alzoubi stood on the high of the plaza’s steps, waving a big Syrian flag together with his cousin, who fled the nation two years in the past, he mentioned.

“He has seen every thing, and his uncle died throughout the battle,” Alzoubi mentioned. “However that’s why we’re out right here. We’re doing it for him and to point out our help for Syrian folks.”

Many who attended the rally carried indicators with messages celebrating the top of Assad’s rule.

“The sensation of freedom can’t be defined,” one signal learn. One other acknowledged, “Let the Ummah’s coronary heart beat as one,” referring to the worldwide Muslim group.

Hundreds of people celebrate as members of Chicago's Syrian American community host a solidarity rally downtown on Sunday. — The information that the federal government of Bashar Assad in Syria had been overthrown introduced crowds to a rally downtown Sunday. President Joe Biden mentioned the sudden collapse of the Assad regime is a “elementary act of justice” after many years of repression.

Some introduced balloons that they launched into the air, whereas others handed out conventional Syrian meals. At one level, small fireworks have been set off near Michigan Avenue.

“Everybody may be very blissful and looking forward to a greater Syria and to have the ability to return sometime,” mentioned Layanne Malluhi, of Lake View.

Malluhi mentioned she’s had many prolonged members of the family who have been jailed in Syria for talking up and rebelling towards the Assad regime.

With the Assad authorities having ended, Malluhi mentioned she’s left feeling hopeful that Syria can rebuild into one thing stronger.

“A greater future for us is feasible, and we are able to have a Syria that’s livable and a rustic that’s a lot better than it was earlier than,” Malluhi mentioned.

Contributing: Related Press