Across the world, countless families impacted by the Syrian civil war are now making life-changing decisions to rebuild their lives. Ala Jabeer, a Syrian refugee, is embarking on an emotional journey back to his homeland after 13 years of displacement.

Ala Jabeer, a Syrian refugee, tearfully prepared to return to Syria from Turkey with his 10-year-old daughter, Sirin, 13 years after fleeing the war. His return comes after losing his wife and three other children in the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in early 2023, killing over 50,000 people and ravaging the Antakya region where his family had lived.

Jabeer first arrived in Turkey’s Hatay province in 2011 after Syrian rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad from Damascus. Now, following recent rebel advances and Assad's reported exile to Russia, Turkey reopened the Yayladagi border crossing, encouraging voluntary returns for some of the 3 million Syrian refugees it hosts.

Hopeful for a better future, Jabeer expressed gratitude to Turkey for its support during his years of refuge but was eager to reunite with his mother in Latakia, who could help care for his daughter while he worked. "We believe the new administration will bring an end to oppression," he said.

Turkey, which controls parts of northern Syria, emphasized its commitment to "voluntary, safe, dignified, and regular returns" as stability improves in Syria. The reopened border crossing marks a significant step in facilitating these returns after years of closure due to conflict.

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