ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is bringing celebration for many throughout Syria and beyond.

Two native Syrians who fled that country after living under the harsh rule of the Assad regime are cheering the developments.


What You Need To Know

  • The end of Assad’s leadership brings celebration throughout Syria and beyond

  • Two native Syrians who fled that country after living under the harsh rule of the Assad regime are cheering the developments

  • Both men left Syria about a dozen years ago and still have family there

Their family and friends are among those who are seeing the possibilities of a whole new world in front of them now that the Assad regime has toppled.

“It was, just filled with, not a lot of freedom, a lot of, like fear, and a lot of, just not feeling like I have any future over there with them in that family, in the leadership, just controlling everybody, owning everybody,” said Mohammad Alfayad.

He and his friend Ahmad Kindawi were both born in Syria. They describe living with no power or control over their own lives under the Assad family regime.

“Yeah, we grow up in Syria with fear," Kindawi said. "We are scared to talk about anything about politics. We can’t criticize any politician. [We] can’t criticize the ruling family."

Both men left Syria about a dozen years ago. Alfayad owns Levantine’s Syrian Café & Cuisine.

“I came to Rochester not knowing anything about the U.S.," he said. "I have no expectations. I don't know if people are going to love me [or] fear me for where I am from. But I found a lot of love here and I love this city. I had so many positive experiences here. People are so nice and so generous [and] so welcoming. And I want the people in this beautiful country to have the same experience that I had in Rochester when they go to Damascus someday.”

That could now be a reality as the celebrations in his homeland continue with the ousting of Assad – ending decades of harsh Assad family leadership.

“I felt so happy," Alfayad said. "I had one of the most amazing feelings that I ever experienced in my life. And it’s just like I feel my freedom is complete now."

“Actually, this is like the happiest moment in my life," Kindawi said. "I can’t describe it. All happiness. It's like, full of joy."

“I cannot believe myself saying that it's past and we have the future now to build a beautiful country,” added Alfayad.

Both have family in Syria.

Alfayad wants to return to Damascus to spend time there he hopes under a free government.