As the world bids farewell to 2024 and welcomes the new year, a sense of hope emerges from the heart of Syria. Amidst the ruins of Damascus, a teacher named Omar reflects on the tumultuous year and shares his aspirations for 2025.
Omar has witnessed firsthand the upheaval that engulfed his homeland. In late November, rebel forces mounted a significant offensive, culminating in the capture of Damascus on December 8. The abrupt ousting of President Bashar al-Assad marked a pivotal moment in Syria’s history, but it came at a profound cost. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 1.1 million Syrian civilians were displaced due to the conflict.
“Our city has seen so much pain,” Omar says, standing before the remnants of the school where he once taught. “But in the face of destruction, we must find the strength to rebuild.”
His sentiment echoes the collective yearning of many Syrians who long for stability and peace. Omar’s wish is simple yet profound: a future where children can return to their classrooms, families can rebuild their homes, and communities can heal.
This hope resonates with CGTN’s
Reference(s):
cgtn.com