When the Syrian government fell in December 2024, Yasseen Tasabehji and his family had no plans to return. They had moved to Mississauga, Canada in 2010, building a comfortable life. But the rapid rebel offensive that toppled the al-Assad regime opened a "Pandora's box."

In April 2025, the family visited Syria with the idea of opening a climbing gym. By July, they had permanently relocated to Damascus. The gym in the Mezzeh neighborhood now runs programs to build self-esteem and community among Syrian youth.

Tasabehji said: "Young people have no options, no healthy communities. Our goal is to make Syria attractive so they can see a future here." The family is among 1.5 million Syrians who have returned since the regime change.

However, challenges remain. The World Bank estimates reconstruction costs at $216 billion. The new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has lobbied for sanctions relief. Tariq Azeez of IRC noted that 400,000 returnees from Lebanon may leave again if conditions improve there.

Economic hardship persists: 15.6 million Syrians need humanitarian aid. Social integration is also tricky, as returnees and internally displaced people with different experiences learn to coexist. Azeez warned: "It could be an accident waiting to happen."

Tasabehji remains optimistic: "We're trying to introduce people to each other so they can live together and build the future of this country." His family's gym is a small step toward rebuilding Syria's social fabric.

Source: www.aljazeera.com