Christian Syrian mother calls for unity and reconstruction after years of turmoil

• “We hope for a future without divisions and armed groups.” We want to stand up and rebuild as one body, one nation.

ALEPPO, Syria

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 lived alone in their home in Aleppo for 13 years.

Her home, filled only with photos of her children, is a testament to her longing.

The fall of the Ba’athist regime, which ruled Syria for 61 years, gives the family hope of being reunited with their sons. Mehe and her husband are eagerly awaiting the day when their children can return to their homeland.

The Christian family decorated a small Christmas tree in a corner of their house to celebrate Christmas and New Year, symbolizing a new beginning.

Mehe looked back on the last 13 years, which she described as a challenge for all Syrians, and spoke of war, bombings, terror, fear and the lack of basic services that severely tested people’s resilience. She shared with Anadolu her feelings and hopes for her sons.

Mehe said that this period caused Syrians to disperse and migrate, pointing out that her two university-educated sons had to leave the country to escape the oppression of the Assad regime.

– “The liberation of Aleppo was a big surprise”

The day Aleppo was liberated – just a few weeks ago – was a big 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,” Mehe said, stressing that the reality was very different and that all of Syria was quickly liberated on December 8 when opposition forces captured the capital Damascus .

Reflecting on her initial worries, Mehe said, “Every change in life brings with it some level of anxiety.”

She added: “Life has improved in every way. What matters now is that we as Syrians support each other and act in unity.”

– “Our old fears are behind us”

Mehe said people now expect better days. “We hope for a future without divisions and armed groups. We want to rise up and rebuild as one body, one nation. Our only fear is division; our old fears are behind us,” she said.

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

Mehe mentioned that she had health problems that required surgery, adding that her husband was not doing well.

Still, she acknowledged that others endured far greater suffering.

– “We wish that the Syrians live in 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 all, especially children.”

“We will celebrate his birth as a priority. Our decorations represent a celebration in his honor. The New Year celebrations come second as this is just the beginning of the Gregorian year,” she said.

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

Mehe hopes that the coming days will bring joy to all Syrians and hopes that people celebrate future holidays with their children.

She expressed her wish that everyone’s dreams and wishes come true, adding: “We wish that Syrians live with dignity.”

*Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul

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