HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime after 54 years of authoritarian rule has brought new hope to Syrians worldwide, including approximately 16,000 refugees who have resettled in Florida.
“We are in shock, shock after 54 years of ruthless ruling,” said Doured Daghistani, a pediatric oncologist in Miami who immigrated from Damascus in the 1980s. “We are very happy. I think all the free fighters all over the world should be happy that the tyrant has gone.”
Daghistani recalled the peaceful protests for freedom in Syria in 2011 that were met with violence and repression. The brutal crackdown forced millions to flee their homes, resulting in a global refugee crisis.
“People started fleeing so they don’t get killed,” Daghistani said, noting the staggering toll of half a million deaths and countless others imprisoned.
One of those refugees is Christa Tawil, who fled Aleppo and eventually resettled in South Florida. She founded Zaytouna Foods, a Miami-based company employing Syrian women refugees.
“Zaytouna is a company by and for Syrian women refugees in Miami,” Tawil said. “It also gives us a mission because we want to be able to portray Syria in a better light than it’s been portrayed for the past years.”
Zaytouna Foods has achieved rapid success, with its signature treats now available at Whole Foods locations nationwide. Tawil said the latest developments from her homeland offer a rare glimpse of optimism.
“Syria’s future looked very dim and very sober, and we finally see a little glimmer of hope,” she said. “We’re just hoping for a safer and better Syria and for Syria to bloom again.”
Daghistani, while cautiously optimistic, stressed the challenges ahead.
“We are just hoping, although we’re very happy. We’re very nervous because we have to build the new Syria,” he said.
Both expressed hope that Syria’s transformation will inspire others fighting for freedom worldwide.
“Anybody who is fighting for freedom — like Venezuelans, like North Koreans, anywhere on this earth — don’t give up,” Daghistani said.