Some Syrians who built lives abroad are now heading back to their homeland after the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024. Among them is Yasseen Tasabehji and his family, whose journey from Toronto to Damascus reflects a wider sense of possibility taking shape for members of the Syrian diaspora.
The decision to return was not originally part of the family's plan, but the political change appears to have opened a new path. For families like the Tasabehjis, going back is tied not only to home and identity, but also to the idea that they can help rebuild everyday life in Syria after years of upheaval.
That hope, however, sits alongside serious obstacles. The report highlights the economic and social pressures facing returnees, showing that rebuilding a country is not only about political change but also about jobs, services, stability and reconnecting fractured communities.
Even with those difficulties, the return of Syrians from places such as Toronto to Damascus points to a deeper effort to restore family networks and local life. For some, the move is both personal and practical: a chance to take part in Syria's recovery while trying to create a more hopeful future.
