The Council on American-Islamic Relations of New Jersey (CAIR-NJ) today congratulated the people of Syria and Syrian Americans on the historic fall of the brutal Assad dictatorship, a moment of profound significance for the people of Syria and for all those who have long stood in solidarity with their pursuit of justice, freedom, and human dignity.
The ousting of Bashar Al Assad’s regime on Sunday morning brings an end to one of the most violent and oppressive authoritarian governments in the modern history of the Middle East. Many took to the streets to celebrate the Syrian people’s liberation across the world, including in New Jersey, the wider U.S., and of course, Syria,
In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said,
“CAIR-New Jersey joins Syrians across the world in celebrating the end of a brutal era, one that has been defined by war crimes, the systematic targeting of civilians, torture, and the violent suppression of human rights. The people of Syria can now look toward a future where justice, accountability, and peace are no longer dreams but achievable realities.
“We praise God for this pivotal victory toward justice in Syria. We pray we witness a ripple effect of liberation throughout the Middle East and the world.
“We urge the incoming Trump administration to take immediate steps to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, return occupied lands to the Syrian people, and ensure that neither the U.S. government nor the Israeli government interferes with Syria’s sovereignty or undermines the efforts of Syrians to build a democratic and stable future. It is crucial that all international actors respect Syria’s territorial integrity and allow the Syrian people to determine their own future free from external interference.”
SEE: New Jersey Celebrates Syria’s Liberation
This historic moment marks the end of one of the longest and bloodiest authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. For years, Syrian civilians endured unspeakable horrors, from chemical weapons attacks and widespread torture to mass incarcerations and displacement on an unimaginable scale. Syria is one of the largest displacement crises globally, with more than 14 million people forcibly displaced since the 2011 civil war.
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These atrocities led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and caused immense suffering for millions more. Despite this brutality, the unwavering spirit of the Syrian people never faltered. The courageous men and women who took to the streets in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring movement to demand basic freedoms now stand as heroes in the global struggle for democracy and human rights.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Aya Elamroussi, aelamroussi@cair.com, 551-208-5482