Demonstrations against al-Sharaa reflect deep divisions among Syrians abroad

The streets of New York witnessed divided demonstrations by members of the Syrian diaspora in response to the visit of the head of the Syrian Interim Government, Ahmad al-Sharaa. While some demonstrators denounced the massacres committed in Sweida and the Syrian coast, calling for accountability and a political solution.

24 September, 2025 19:53

NEWS DESK

One group of protesters condemned the continuing discourse of hatred and violence, as well as the lack of clarity regarding the fate of missing youth and abducted women from all communities, including Alawites and Druze. Carrying portraits of victims and placards reading “Leave New York” and “al-Sharaa is a killer – Sweida will be free,” they demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice and that a comprehensive political solution be advanced.

Speaking at the rally, one Syrian expatriate declared: “We gather here today because it is unjust to kill or bombard people simply because they are different. Diversity among peoples and ethnicities is a universal truth. Unfortunately, Sweida has faced the most severe forms of exclusion, and many have lost their lives. We must break the entrenched image in Syria that being different means being an enemy who can be killed. The voice of Sweida must be heard by the world.”

In contrast, another group organized a pro-government rally, raising slogans in favor of a “centralized state” and the “restoration of Damascus’ full control,” echoing policies once dominant under the former regime.

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ANHA