St. John's Syrian community celebrates fall of Assad regime

Members of the Syrian community in St. John's on Sunday celebrated the fall of Bashar al-Assad's decades-long rule, as hundreds of all ages gathered outside the Colonial Building to mark the day with singing and dancing.

"We're just showing our happiness that the old rule for Syria, al-Assad is gone finally and Syria is free now," said Abir Zinalabdin of the Syrian Association of Newfoundland.

"And of course we are so happy that we share that in our second home — here."

Syrian opposition fighters group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took control of Damascus Sunday morning, declaring the country's liberation. Russian media said Assad flew to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. 

Outside the Colonial Building in downtown St. John's, among a sea of Syrian and Canadian flags, people passed around hot coffee and baklava.

Under a bright blue sky, people young and old gathered for two hours despite cold temperatures.

WATCH | Watch hundreds gather to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria: 

St. John's Syrian community celebrates end of 50 years of Assad rule

13 days ago

Duration 1:35

The St. John’s Syrian community on Sunday celebrated the end of Syria’s Assad rule, after opposition fighters ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Hundreds gathered outside the Colonial Building in downtown St. John’s.

"Being able to win this has been a dream — not only for the past 13 years but for more than 50 years," said Maya Shrabi, a student at Memorial University. 

"I don't think anyone here can believe that actually happened."

There is a sizeable Syrian community in Newfoundland and Labrador, where refugees began arriving in 2012 to escape strife and persecution in their home country. 

What comes next for Syria itself is unknown. Statements from some world leaders express concerned attention for how the transition of power will evolve.

"We have some concern for sure but we have a strong belief in our people that we're going to make everything work," Zinalabdin said.

"This absolutely heartbreaking war has broken our souls. And I'm very much looking forward to not only building that country but also to building the souls again," Shrabi said.

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