Chicago – December 09, 2024
Michigan Avenue was filled with green flags on Sunday as hundreds of Chicagoans came together to celebrate the end of the Assad regime in Syria.
“It’s important to spread awareness about what’s been happening. With so many people passing by and seeing this, it makes an impact,” said Lilah Khoja, a Chicagoan attending the event.
The celebration followed major news from Syria: after rebel groups entered the capital city of Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad fled the country, ending the Assad family’s 50-year rule.
For years, Syrians escaping violence in their homeland have found refuge in Chicago. The Syrian Community Network, a nonprofit organization, currently supports 1,300 Syrians in the city.
While Syria’s future remains uncertain, Chicago’s Syrian community is hopeful.
“My biggest hope is that whoever leads next recognizes Syria as a diverse country with many religions and people,” said Abdul Khawam, another Chicagoan. “If they can honor that, I think Syria will have a bright future.”
For now, the mood among Chicago’s Syrians is one of optimism and unity.
