Returning Home: A Syrian Family’s First Ramadan Back Amid Mixed Emotions

Zuhair Sulaiman, back in Syria for Ramadan after years abroad, reflects on his deep sense of nostalgia and loss. His return follows significant political changes in the country, and although the experience brings relief, he expresses a feeling of something missing amidst the joy of homecoming.

Zuhair Sulaiman and his wife await the call to prayer in their home in Daraya, Syria, marking their first Ramadan back since fleeing the country. Their return follows the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December, after which they lived in Egypt and Lebanon since 2014. For Sulaiman, who has not celebrated Ramadan in his homeland for over a decade, the experience is bittersweet, filled with nostalgia and a sense of loss, as he acknowledges that something is missing from this momentous occasion.

In conclusion, the return of Zuhair Sulaiman to Syria during Ramadan illustrates a poignant blend of nostalgia, relief, and sorrow. While celebrating this holy month in his homeland brings joy, the lingering absence of what once was casts a shadow on their reunion. This story highlights the complex emotions faced by those returning after years of exile, navigating the line between happiness and loss.

Original Source: apnews.com