Thousands of happy Syrians gathered at the famous Umayyad Mosque in Damascus for Friday prayers, cheering and waving flags opposing the former president, Bashar al-Assad. This exciting celebration happened after rebels took control of the city, something no one expected just a week ago. Families, including kids, came together with armed fighters, celebrating their freedom.
It felt like the early days of the protests in 2011 when people stood up for democracy. Nour Thi al-Ghina, a 38-year-old woman, said, “We are so happy to be free from the prison we lived in.” Rebel fighters handed out flowers and let children take pictures with their guns, showing that they want to build a peaceful future together.
Some held flags representing a free Syria, a sight that was dangerous under Assad’s rule. Many people hung pictures of loved ones who had disappeared in Assad’s jails around the mosque, reminding everyone of the past struggles.
On this special day, rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani asked everyone to celebrate their victory. People sang songs about unity, saying, “One, one, one, the Syrian people is one!”
Omar al-Khaled, a 23-year-old, said he had made the journey from the area of Idlib, excited to see Damascus for the first time. He said, “My dream has come true! It feels amazing to finally be here.” Amani Zanhur, a 42-year-old professor, expressed hope for a better future, adding that many people suffered in prisons under Assad’s rule.
With cheerfulness in the air, thousands of people waved a big rebel flag and felt positive about moving toward a bright new beginning for Syria.
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