Christian Syrian mother calls for unity, rebuilding after years of turmoil

A Christian Syrian mother expressed the Syrian people's desire to unite and rebuild after the collapse of the Assad regime.

After sending one of her sons to Iraq to protect him from the regime, Mehe and her husband have lived alone in their Aleppo home for 13 years.

Their home, filled only with photos that offer a glimpse of their children, is a testament to their longing.

The fall of the Baath regime, which ruled Syria for 61 years, has given the family hope of reuniting with their sons. Mehe and her husband eagerly await the day their children can return to their homeland.

The Christian family decorated a small Christmas tree in a corner of their home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, symbolizing a fresh start.

Reflecting on the past 13 years, which she described as challenging for all Syrians, Mehe spoke of the war, bombings, terror, fear, and lack of basic services that severely tested the resilience of the people. She shared her emotions and hopes for her sons with Anadolu.

Mehe said this period caused Syrians to scatter and migrate, noting that her two university-educated sons had to leave the country to avoid the oppression of the Assad regime.

- 'Liberation of Aleppo was a great surprise'

The day Aleppo was liberated – just a few weeks ago – was a great surprise, she said.

“At first, we felt fear and anxiety. We thought it would mark the beginning of another war, more bombings, and another wave of migration," said Mehe, stressing that the reality was quite different and that all of Syria was quickly liberated by Dec. 8, when opposition forces took the capital Damascus.

Reflecting on their initial worries, Mehe said: "Every change in life comes with a measure of fear."

She added, "Life has improved in every sense. What matters now is that we, as Syrians, support one another and act in unity."

- 'Our old fears are behind us'

Mehe said people now anticipate better days ahead. "We hope for a future free of divisions and armed groups. We want to rise and rebuild as one body, one nation. Our only fear is division; our old fears are behind us," she said.

Acknowledging that their situation is better compared to other Syrians, Mehe expressed her sorrow for families who lost their children during the Assad regime and the civil war, those who were displaced from their homes, and those whose children could not receive an education.

Mehe mentioned having a health issue requiring surgery, adding that her husband is unwell.

Yet she acknowledged that others have endured far greater suffering.

- 'We wish for Syrians to live with dignity'

Referring to Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus, the Christian messiah, Mehe said: "He was a messenger who brought a message of peace to all humanity. His message emphasized loyalty, truth, and peace for everyone, especially children."

"We will celebrate his birth as a priority. Our decorations represent a celebration in his honor. New Year's celebrations come second, as that's just the beginning of the Gregorian year," she said.

"The most important celebration is his birth, which is a call for peace and tranquility. He did not accept bloodshed, imprisonment, or the sorrow of children."

Hoping for future days to bring happiness to all Syrians, Mehe said she hoped the people celebrate future holidays with their children.

She voiced her wish for everyone's dreams and wishes to come true, adding: "We wish for Syrians to live with dignity."