Syrians in Europe

By: Fayez Sara

The Syrian Revolution came as a violent shock to the everyday reality of Syrians in Europe; altering many facts, interests, and orientations—but also their intrinsic nature, realities, and futures; requires not much debating. It does, however, call for a closer examination of some of its aspects, and an exploration of what would become of Syrians' future.

Syrian presence in Europe is decades-long. A majority of Syrians migrated for a multitude of overlapping reasons; the economic mixed with the social, and the cultural mixed with the political. Just like the citizens of other Arab countries lorded over by tyranny or suffering through difficult political, economic, social, or security conditions; some citizens were prompted to search for alternative places to live, as well as to create a different future for themselves and their families. They sought to sidestep the difficult paths of development in their countries of origin of which Syria in particular assumed the forefront, especially after Hafez Assad took power in 1970. He laid the foundations of the totalitarian-dictatorial state whose existence was predicated upon the security and military establishments, to whom he gave free rein in controlling all aspects of Syrian life and state institutions.

The impact of the totalitarian-dictatorial regime inevitably spread to the reality of Syrian expatriate communities, most of whose major events were inextricably linked to the ruling regime, by way of Syrian embassies and legions of security men employed in them. The interests of a limited coterie of select elites in the expat community were often addressed by the regime, in return for the latter subjugating their expat communities and hitching them to the regime; becoming regime propagandists and apologists; and—where possible—do the regime's bidding, and securing its interests. This was the basis upon which the relation of Syrian expat communities in Europe with the Syrian regime were predicated—whether under Assad senior or Assad the son, his successor.

The Syrian Revolution of 2011, however, rocked the foundation of that relationship. The main reason was the peaceful nature of the Revolution; its slogans demanding freedom, peaceful change, and participation. The reason for the change in the relationship was consecrated by the regime's response rejecting any political solution, and delving ever deeper into the abyss of its military-security based option, predicated upon a combination of murder, detention, destruction, and displacement that escalated brutally. This caused expat communities to support the [Revolutionary] movement and its demands; with the positions of European countries undoubtedly contributing to further strengthening the change in the attitude of these communities.

The expat communities, particularly in western European countries, played a large role in providing multi-faceted media and relief support to the Revolution. Some expat figures took part in political and civic events on behalf of the Revolution via civic activities as well as the political opposition movement; before becoming active in the efforts to assimilate and help new immigrants who fled to European countries to escape from the Syrian regime's hell, as well as the difficulties of residing and living in countries neighboring Syria.

The new Syrian migrant arrivals became a great diverse human mass: Younger age groups with a multitude of experiences and specialties—doctors, engineers and technicians—all of which help boost the standing and presence of Syrian communities in European countries. Newcomers' suffering of problems that are seemingly temporary in nature—namely related to residence, work, and study notwithstanding; these will be gradually resolved in the context of greater stability of the arrivals, and their growing assimilation into their new adoptive communities. Some of them are expected to become permanently settled as a result; while others may eventually be able to return to Syria, once the situation stabilizes and the country gradually emerges from its current disastrous conditions.

The challenges faced by both Syrian newcomers and the existing expat communities transcend the issue of accommodating the new arrivals—which chiefly poses a daily livelihood problem—to two issues of a political nature. Firstly, the situation of their home country—especially since most of these new arrivals come from the very bosom of the Revolution and its events, and are overwhelmingly sympathetic to its cause. Secondly, the need to face the extremism that struck Syrian reality; thereby creating ideologically and militarily extremist groups and formations, particularly ISIS and the al-Nusra Front affiliated to al-Qaeda.

The latter two challenges cast their burden upon Syrian expat communities in Europe—if not exclusive to the need to send clear messages to their immediate [European] periphery, in which they stress their rejection of extremism and terrorism in all its contents and practices; their adherence to and compliance with the general human values ​​prevailing in these societies; their willingness to live under their general principles; and, as a minimum, to positively and receptively deal with them. What is rather required of them, is to surpass the requirements of their existence within these European societies, to address Syrian reality—particularly in terms of continuing support for the Revolution; confirming its nature as a popular uprising that was launched to promote humanitarian values, notably freedom, justice and equality; and it being far cry from the bloody policies of the dictatorial Assad regime, which has partnered with extremism and terrorism—from ISIS and al-Nusra, to other groups.

These challenges, truly represent a very personal challenge for many Syrians in European societies; but they also represent a general challenge for all Syrians. They should engage themselves in it, and this poses upon them the task of organizing their presence and their efforts so as to achieve serious success in the face of these limitations; and build themselves a better future and position not only in their host European communities, but also in their relations with their country and their people in order to help in its renaissance. Syrian expats will inevitably have a secured role in this future effort.

* Opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rozana.

* This article was published under the Association Agreement between Rozana and Houna Sawtak.