Jubilant Syrians Across Europe Celebrate the Fall of Bashar al-Assad's Regime

On Sunday, December 8, 2024, thousands of Syrians rallied in cities across Europe to celebrate the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Jubilant crowds gathered in Berlin, Athens, London, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna, and other major cities, waving flags and chanting in support of a free Syria.

In Berlin, the largest gathering of over 5,000 Syrians took place in the Kreuzberg district, where the excitement was palpable. Many participants waved Syrian opposition flags in green, red, black, and white, while others flashed "V" for victory signs and chanted “Allahu Akbar!” (God is Great). Children painted their faces with the colors of Syria’s flag as families joined the celebration despite the cold drizzle.

In London, hundreds of Syrians gathered in Trafalgar Square, chanting "Mabrouk!" (Congratulations) and waving the opposition flag. In Istanbul, hundreds of Syrians celebrated in the Fatih district, while others gathered outside parliament in Athens, chanting "Allah, Syria, freedom!" Many protesters, like Adel Batal from Aleppo, shared their personal stories of hardship, having been displaced due to Assad's brutal regime.

Despite their joy, many Syrians emphasized the need for justice. The desire to return home and rebuild a free Syria was common among those celebrating, with many expressing a commitment to helping from abroad.

The celebrations extended to cities like Stockholm, Geneva, Bern, and Paris, where crowds sang, chanted, and waved flags. In Paris, around 300 people gathered at Place de la Republique, while in Switzerland, crowds gathered in front of the United Nations in Geneva, stomping on pictures of Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad.

While many celebrated the end of Assad's rule, there were concerns about the future of Syria and its new government. The fall of Assad’s regime marks a historic moment for Syrians who have longed for freedom and justice. After over a decade of war, displacement, and suffering, Syrians in Europe are finally witnessing the end of a dictatorship that has caused immense pain to their homeland.