Syrian Refugees Celebrate Possible End of Assad Regime in Dublin, Ohio
DUBLIN, Ohio – A vibrant gathering took place at Bridge Park on Sunday, where local Syrian refugees united to celebrate what they hope marks the end of the Assad regime. Many attendees, including Dr. Rifat Moustafa, expressed a mix of joy and relief. Dr. Moustafa, who fled Syria at the outset of the civil war over a decade ago, decried the brutality of Bashar al-Assad, citing widespread killings, imprisonments, and torture.
"This is a day of celebration," said Moustafa. "All the people in Syria are happy and feeling their freedom everywhere." He recounted harrowing experiences from the conflict, including the arrest of his son during the early days of the war.
Others, like Aya Aljabouli and Laila Albawab, reflected on their traumatic childhoods marked by violence and fear. "When the protests began, they shot at us," Albawab recalled. They expressed hope for a future where they can reconnect with their cultural roots after years of displacement.
Rasha Alrifae, who organized the event, was overwhelmed by the turnout. She echoed the sentiment that change was overdue, stating, "We thought we were going to have the Assad regime for the rest of our lives." Despite their celebration, Alrifae acknowledged the uncertainty ahead, urging attendees to keep Syria and its people in their thoughts.
The enthusiasm of the gathering reflects a collective yearning for freedom and a new era, as many Syrian refugees look forward to possibilities that had once felt unattainable. With their voices united, they express optimism for a brighter future for Syria and its citizens.
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