Syrian Refugee Looks Forward to Visiting Mother’s Grave After Assad Regime’s Fall

A Syrian refugee has indicated that the recent change in government within the embattled nation will allow him to return and visit his mother’s grave, having been unable to be present during the final years of her life. Jehad Rached, along with his wife and son, settled in Preston, Lancashire, over a decade ago, having departed the region amidst violent conflicts. The administration of long-serving leader Bashar al-Assad collapsed on Sunday after opposition forces assumed control. Mr Rached said: “I feel congratulations for all of the Syrian people. We have had enough of war.” He added: “I lost my mum, a lot of families lost children, a dad, an uncle or a business for 14 years of war – for what? A million people killed.” Mr Rached, who founded his own tailoring business in the city, where his second child was born, extended his thanks to the British people for their acceptance. The 40-year-old, originally from Aleppo, informed BBC Radio Lancashire: “It was very difficult for Syrians.” He continued: “Even me for example, I can go everywhere because I am now British, I can book tickets and fly everywhere in this world but I could not go to Syria because of Assad.” He elaborated: “I never saw my mum, even last year when I went to Turkey I could not go to visit my mum who was sick and she passed away 11 months ago.” He concluded this thought by stating: “When I go back I will go straight to her grave and pray for her.” Mr Rached, who has been in daily contact with his family in Syria, said: “We want peace, we want democracy and good government.” The tailor, who manufactured scrubs for local medics during the Covid lockdowns, expressed: “I need to say big thanks for the UK, for Lancashire, for the British people, for the UK government.” He further conveyed: “Because you brought me nine-and-a-half years ago to Preston and I built my business. Thank you is not enough for British people.”