The Meaning of 'Falling' for Syrians
In a poignant reflection on the plight of Syrians, activist Ahmed Al-Sabouni posed a powerful question: "Do you know what it means to fall?" This inquiry encapsulates the profound sense of humiliation and despair experienced by many under the oppressive regimes of Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad. Al-Sabouni's video, shared widely on social media, resonates deeply with those who have faced the brutal realities of displacement, torture, and fear in their homeland.
Al-Sabouni articulates the emotional toll of being a Syrian today, stating, "It means you don’t say you are Syrian and you are humiliated. It means you don’t carry your passport and you say where can I go on my own? There is no country that will accept me." This sentiment reflects a widespread feeling of abandonment among Syrians, who often find themselves at the mercy of smuggling networks to escape their dire circumstances.
Voices from the Ground
The responses to Al-Sabouni's question reveal a collective trauma among Syrians. Many express the daily anxieties of living under constant threat, with one individual highlighting the need to monitor the skies for incoming bombers, while another laments the loss of normalcy for their children. "Can you imagine that our children will sleep safely without hearing the sound of sirens?" they ask, illustrating the pervasive fear that has become a part of life in Syria.
The shared experiences of oppression and the longing for a future free from violence and instability are echoed throughout these narratives. As the conflict continues, the question of what it means to 'fall' remains a haunting reminder of the struggles faced by millions.
