Returning Syrians experience a complex and bittersweet Ramadan marked by nostalgia, grief, and a sense of homecoming after years of conflict. While they celebrate the end of Bashar Assad’s rule, they also confront the realities of damaged homes and lost loved ones, grappling with the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
Zuhair Sulaiman, now back in his hometown of Daraya after years in Egypt and Lebanon, prepares to break his Ramadan fast with his wife. This year marks the first time Sulaiman observes Ramadan in Syria since 2014. Although he feels joy at returning, he expresses a sense of loss, indicating that he feels something important is missing from the experience.
Daraya, a notable location in rural Damascus known for its resistance during the uprising against Bashar Assad, has since experienced substantial destruction. The ongoing recovery is evident as new businesses, such as barbershops, begin to open, while many residential areas remain scarred by years of conflict. Many residents find themselves navigating the remnants of their once-vibrant community, striving to rebuild amid devastation.
As many Syrians return to their homeland for the first Ramadan since Assad’s ousting, they encounter a mixed atmosphere of celebration and mourning. Family reunions occur alongside the grief of absent loved ones and homes in ruins. The Ramadan season, typically characterized by communal gatherings, is shadowed by remembrance of lost relatives and the lingering impact of the war.
Mariam Aabour, who returned from Lebanon after the regime’s fall, shares her bittersweet experience of Ramadan, feeling happiness over her return while mourning the loss of family members left behind. She recalls the tragic loss of her son before their escape, deepening her sorrow as she engages in iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast.
The ongoing struggles in Daraya are echoed by many who, although ecstatic to return, must adapt to the stark realities of life post-conflict. Faraj al-Mashash, Aabour’s husband, feels the weight of financial pressures alongside the emotional toll of family separation. Despite the devastation, he retains a deep affection for his homeland, declaring, “Isn’t Daraya destroyed? But I feel like I am in heaven.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over 370,000 Syrians have returned since Assad’s regime fell. Nonetheless, the journey to recovery remains fraught with obstacles, including unexploded mines and the challenges of rebuilding lives and homes. UNHCR emphasizes the need for international support to facilitate a sustainable return for Syrians.
Umaya Moussa, another returnee, reflects on her traumatic experiences and the yearning for typical Ramadan family gatherings. She has been reunited with family but carries the sorrow of her father’s absence during this important time. Saeed Kamel shares a similar experience, mourning familial losses while holding hope for future generations despite the bleak circumstances.
The first Ramadan back in their homeland for many returning Syrians is a complex experience marked by nostalgia, grief, and hope. While they appreciate the freedom that comes with the end of Assad’s regime, the reality of a devastated environment and unresolved personal losses casts a shadow over their celebrations. The resilient spirit of the returning community highlights the need for continued support and reconstruction efforts to restore both their homes and their communities.
Original Source: apnews.com
