Hundreds of people filled the streets of Utrecht on Sunday, celebrating the news that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has officially stepped down after nearly two decades in power.
The news, which broke earlier in the evening, has ignited waves of relief and euphoria among Syrians and their supporters worldwide, including those in the Netherlands.
The crowd, made up of Syrian refugees, local activists, and supporters of the Syrian opposition, gathered, waving flags, singing, and chanting slogans of hope, blending with cheers and applause.
The celebration in Utrecht is just one of many around the world as Syrians, both inside Syria and in the diaspora, rejoice at the possibility of a fresh start for their country.
The end of Assad’s rule is seen as a significant turning point for Syria, though many are cautious, knowing that the path to peace and stability will not be easy. The country has been ravaged by civil war since 2011, and millions of Syrians remain displaced, either within Syria or as refugees abroad.
