Following the collapse of the al-Assad regime in December 2024, a significant number of Syrians who had fled the country during the war are now returning with hopes of rebuilding their homeland. Among them is Yasseen Tasabehji, who, along with his family, moved back to Damascus after years of living in Canada. Their story reflects a broader trend of returnees motivated by a desire to contribute to Syria’s recovery despite ongoing challenges.
Return Motivated by New Opportunities and Purpose
Yasseen Tasabehji, 33, and his family had settled in Mississauga, near Toronto, since 2010, establishing a comfortable life far from the conflict that engulfed Syria starting in 2011. The family had largely closed the chapter on Syria, with only a brief visit by his mother during the war years. However, the rapid fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, marked by rebel advances in Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, and the subsequent flight of the Assad family to Moscow, opened a new chapter.
“It coincided with a time in our lives when we were thinking, ‘OK, what’s next? What do we want to do?’” Tasabehji explained. Despite having stable jobs and lives in Canada, the family felt a strong pull to return and contribute to rebuilding Syria. After a month-long visit in April 2025, they decided to move permanently in July, opening a climbing gym in Damascus’s Mezzeh neighbourhood as part of their efforts to foster community and provide healthy activities for young Syrians.
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Challenges and Hopes for Reconstruction
The Tasabehji family is among approximately 1.5 million Syrians who have returned since the regime’s fall. Many returnees come from refugee communities in Turkey, Lebanon, Europe, and the Gulf. While optimism is high, the path to rebuilding is fraught with difficulties. The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at a staggering $216 billion, highlighting the scale of the task ahead.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government has made strides in reintegrating Syria into the international community, including efforts to lift sanctions that previously hampered economic recovery. However, the economic situation remains fragile, with rising energy costs and widespread financial hardship complicating reintegration for many returnees.
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Tariq Azeez of the International Rescue Committee noted that some returnees, particularly those displaced by regional conflicts such as Israel’s war, may relocate again if conditions improve elsewhere. Currently, 15.6 million Syrians—two-thirds of the population—require humanitarian assistance, underscoring the ongoing crisis.
Social Reintegration and Potential Risks
Beyond economic challenges, social reintegration poses a significant hurdle. Millions of Syrians spent the war years abroad or displaced internally, experiencing diverse political views and social norms. As they return, communities must navigate these differences to rebuild social cohesion.
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Azeez warned that disparities in access to services and differing political perspectives could strain community relations. He emphasized the importance of gradual, well-managed returns to avoid overwhelming Syria’s limited capacity to absorb returnees and maintain stability.
Back in Damascus, Tasabehji acknowledges the deep social and sectarian divides that remain. While his family’s climbing gym offers a space for young Syrians to connect and build self-esteem, he recognizes that broader societal healing requires more comprehensive efforts.
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“We’re trying to really introduce people to each other so that they can live together and build the future of this country,” Tasabehji said, highlighting the role of community initiatives in fostering unity.
A Complex Path Forward
The return of Syrians like the Tasabehjis symbolizes a hopeful chapter in Syria’s post-war recovery. Their commitment to creating positive spaces and opportunities for youth reflects a grassroots approach to rebuilding not only infrastructure but also social trust. However, the road ahead remains complex, with economic, social, and political challenges requiring coordinated efforts from the government, international partners, and civil society.
As Syria works to reconstruct its cities and communities, the experiences of returnees will be critical in shaping a stable and inclusive future. The balance between hope and hardship defines this pivotal moment in Syria’s history, as families reclaim their homeland and strive to build a better tomorrow.
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