Ten years ago, the Syrian people took to the streets in the name of freedom, dignity, and self-determination. A decade later and despite all the odds, dreams for a better future still live in the hearts of many Syrians, stronger than ever. However, their hopes are too often overshadowed by the loss this struggle has brought forth: twelve million people displaced, hundreds of thousands of lives lost, millions of homes and relics destroyed. Non-Syrians are quick to point to these despondent numbers, to foretell, dictate, and condemn the future of Syria.

In reality, the Syrian community is unwavering in their commitment to the cause. The unimaginable struggles of the last decade are far from fruitless. Thus, last week, Karam sought to push back against the false narrative believed by many, and empower and center the Syrian voices that deserve to be heard. In our joint panel, we heard from five extraordinary women working tirelessly to support the Syrian community and execute the vision they see for their nation, not others. While the ghosts of the past lingered, they were no longer center stage, and the feeling of hope was palpable and gripping as our panelists shared what they were doing to uplift their communities forward.

But these moments of quiet contemplation, reclaiming our destinies for ourselves are just as impactful when done privately with family and friends. And so, last week our team in Turkey gathered at Karam Houses in Istanbul and Reyhanli to commemorate those who laid down their lives in the hopes that we could live freely and without fear. But this gathering was not only focused on the tragedies of the past. The team wrote notes of their hopes for Syria and planted them with an olive tree in the Karam House garden. These powerful photos show what the future of Syria is truly about: honoring and learning from the past while remaining hopeful for what tomorrow holds. We urge the rest of the world to step aside and stop drowning out the voices of Syrians or doubting the possibility of their aspirations. While we might mourn for who and what has been lost, the legions of Syrians and their supporters prove that much still remains and the dream of freedom lives on.

 

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