Syrian community in Chicago celebrates end of Assad regime
by: Emmy Victor, Ethan Illers
Posted: Dec 8, 2024 / 10:35 PM CST
Updated: Dec 9, 2024 / 07:29 AM CST
CHICAGO – It was a sea of green flags on Michigan Avenue Sunday as hundreds of Chicagoans celebrated the end of the regime in Syria.
“People can just look out. People are driving by. There are a lot of tourists. Everyone’s eyes are on this right now, and I think that’s kind of important to spread awareness about what’s been going on,” Chicagoan Lilah Khoja said.
After rebel groups reached the capital city of Damascus, Syrian President Bashar Assad fled the country Sunday, bringing an end to the 50 years the Assad family has been in power.'
Peaceful protests against the president in 2011 ultimately turned into a war.
“The existing regime, the Assad regime that ruled Syria up until that point for 54 years, responded brutally,” Co-Executive Director of the Syrian Community Network Maya Atassi said.
For years, Syrians looking to flee conflict have made a home in Chicago. The Syrian Community Network, a local nonprofit, supports 1,300 Syrians.
“It’s one of the biggest population sources for Syrian Americans in the United States in around the Chicagoland area,” Atassi said. “So there are members and fabrics of this American society.”
While Syria’s future remains unclear, Syrians in Chicago are choosing to be optimistic about the future and about whoever is next in power.
“My greatest concern is that they recognize that Syria is a pluralistic society and that it’s not just for one people and for one religion,” Chicagoan Abdul Khawam said. “And if they can maintain that, then I hope there’s a bright future for Syria.”