Syrians Embrace Return Home to Rebuild Lives and Communities

Damascus, Syria – Following the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024, many Syrians, including Yasseen Tasabehji and his family, have begun to return to their homeland with hopes of rebuilding their lives. Tasabehji, who is now 33 years old, relocated to Mississauga, a suburb of Toronto, Canada, in 2010, just before the onset of the Syrian uprising and the ensuing conflict. He and his family had established a comfortable life in Canada and had not initially considered returning to Syria. During the years of war, while his mother made a brief visit to see relatives, the rest of the family felt disconnected from their homeland. “The Syrian file was just closed for all of us,” Tasabehji shared with Al Jazeera, expressing their belief that they would never return. However, the unexpected liberation of Damascus by rebel forces in late 2024 prompted them to reconsider their options. The fall of the al-Assad family to Moscow marked a turning point, and Tasabehji described it as a moment that opened a “Pandora’s box” of possibilities for his family. They began to contemplate their next steps, seeking a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in their lives.

In April 2025, the family visited Syria with aspirations of establishing a climbing gym, as several siblings are avid climbers. After spending a month reconnecting with family in Damascus, they made the decision to move back permanently in July. “We saw a country that needs everything, and we felt like any addition will make a huge difference,” Tasabehji remarked, reflecting on their motivations. The family successfully launched their climbing gym in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus, where they are actively involved in community outreach. They run programs aimed at helping young Syrians build self-esteem and foster a sense of community. As Tasabehji spoke, his sister was engaged in teaching a class for children, while their father, who still resides in Canada, is contemplating a permanent move to Syria. Tasabehji emphasized the lack of opportunities and healthy community activities for the youth, stating, “It became a goal of ours to make Syria more attractive to young people, so that they can see a future here.”