The Syrian Future Movement responded to an invitation from the City Council of al-Ruhaybah in the Damascus countryside on the afternoon of Sunday, April 20, 2025, to attend an event titled “We Were Displaced and We Triumphed.”
A delegation from the Syrian Future Movement, composed of members from both the Political and Organizational Offices from Damascus and northern Syria, participated in the celebration.
Mr. Jomaa Mohammad Laheeb, researcher and Director of the Research and Studies Department in the Scientific Office of the Syrian Future Movement, delivered the Movement’s official speech, which included the following:
Speech of the Syrian Future Movement at the “We Were Displaced and We Triumphed” Celebration in al-Ruhaybah
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,
Honorable audience, I bring you greetings from Dr. Zahir Badarani, President of the Syrian Future Movement, who honored me with the task of delivering this speech on his behalf. I am joined by esteemed representatives from both the Political and Organizational Offices of the Syrian Future Movement, and we stand here today as an official delegation that has come from northern Syria—the Capital of Liberation—and from Damascus al-Fayha’—the Capital of Decision.
We gather today in the city of al-Ruhaybah, at the heart of al-Qalamoun, to celebrate the liberation of our beloved Syria and the return of the displaced and refugees, under a title that holds deep meaning: “We Were Displaced and We Triumphed.”
Displacement is the “unforgettable wound of al-Qalamoun,” as it is for many other free Syrian cities.
Yes… many Syrians were forced to leave their homes and lands, enduring years of exile and suffering.
In this context, we recall the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he left Mecca: “Were it not that your people expelled me from you, I would not have left.” These words summarize the feeling of every displaced person who left their homeland under compulsion, carrying with them love for their country and a determination to return.
Today, we return victorious—not through bloodshed, but through a path of nonviolent liberation—so that all of us, each from our own position, may build bridges and roads toward reconstructing the foundations of our new Syrian state.
The return of the displaced marks an inspiring beginning to a new phase—a phase of building a social contract that ensures everyone’s rights and establishes a state founded on justice and equality.
We must not forget the geopolitical importance of al-Qalamoun!
Al-Qalamoun is a strategic artery of Syria, due to its sensitive location linking Damascus to the northern regions. Thus, the stability of al-Qalamoun reflects the stability of Syria as a whole. It is a key to reinforcing national security and protecting borders from any external threats.
Moreover, al-Qalamoun is home to historic churches such as the Church of the Nativity of the Lady and the Church of the Prophet Elijah—among the oldest in the region. This reflects the important religious diversity and deep-rooted coexistence that characterizes this particular region.
This is not mere coexistence, but rather shared living. Dr. Zahir Badarani once shared an insightful distinction between the two: “coexistence” includes the Arabic grammatical element alif of request, implying effort and tolerance, whereas “shared living” is a genuine unity built on mutual respect—the very foundation of all relationships in Syria, past, present, and future.
Allow me to take this opportunity to present to you the Syrian Future Movement’s vision—our roadmap that we aim to align with the goals of our new national leadership:
- Strengthening national unity, and reinforcing bonds of familiarity and affection among Syrians, free of division or discord.
- Pursuing genuine national reconciliation, affirming that those who liberated our land are liberators, not invaders; they are our own people, not foreign occupiers, and they fought to lift oppression from our suffering people.
- Encouraging investment in Syria, especially in the entire al-Qalamoun region—which deserves to be a model of social and economic development, contributing actively to Syria’s future.
- Rejecting foreign interference, so that Syria may regain its independence in decision-making, free from domination or external intervention.
Honorable guests, our celebration today is one of hope—of overcoming pain, and of determination to build a better future.
Al-Qalamoun, with its historical and geographical symbolism, will always remain the beating heart of Syria and a model for shared living that restores our unity and strength.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you all.
