On Wednesday, the Syrian President addressed the United Nations General Assembly, delivering a speech that marked the first occasion in nearly six decades that a Syrian head of state has spoken before the global body. His presence in New York attracted thousands of Syrian supporters who gathered outside UN headquarters, celebrating what they characterized as a new era for their war-torn nation and urging U.S. President Donald Trump to endorse Syria’s reintegration into the international community.
This event held particular significance for Syrians residing abroad, many of whom had fled during the country’s 14-year civil war. They waved flags, carried banners, and chanted pleas for peace and reconstruction. For them, the sight of a Syrian president being welcomed at the UN was both profoundly symbolic and deeply personal.
Hamza Mustafa, Syria’s information minister, joined the demonstration and conveyed to Digital that it was an emotional day. He stated, “It’s a historical moment for all the Syrian people — after 14 years of conflict, after revolution, after a lot of sacrifice, now we are here representing the Syrian people.” He added, “We are gathering with the Syrian people to assert our collective commitment to the struggle for a united and sovereign Syria.”
Mustafa also extended his thanks to the Trump administration for measures taken to ease sanctions, remarking, “As a government, we thank Mr. Trump for his courage in these actions.”
In his U.N. address, President al-Sharaa advocated for the lifting of sanctions, pledging to pursue “a new Syria built on unity, sovereignty, and peace with its neighbors.” He declared that the conflict had caused “untold suffering” and stressed that “Syrians deserve the right to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their country.”
Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raad Saleh, commented on reports concerning a U.S.-brokered security agreement with Israel, telling Digital: “It’s a political decision, and we are entrusting our president to make that decision. But Syrians are no longer seeking any conflict — Syrians are solely focused on reconstruction and rebuilding.”
The stakes are considerable: Israel has conducted dozens of strikes across Syria in recent months, targeting what officials identify as Iranian-backed forces, weapons depots, and positions near the Israeli border. Israeli officials have characterized these operations as both a warning to Syria’s new leadership and an effort to safeguard vulnerable minorities such as the Druze, who have faced attacks and massacres under al-Sharaa’s government.
The Prime Minister, who is scheduled to speak at UNGA on Friday, stated in a release that any deal “is contingent on securing Israel’s interests,” including the “demilitarization of southwestern Syria and safeguarding the Druze.”
Dr. Hicham Alnachawati organized the rally held outside the UN, emphasizing that the new Syrian leadership desires peace — including with Israel.
“This is a historic moment for us as Syrians. We haven’t seen a president deliver such a speech at the UN in over 57 years,” Alnachawati remarked. “We are hoping that this message of peace and prosperity will encourage other world leaders, and especially the United States, to support lifting the remaining sanctions so we can rebuild a new Syria.”
Alnachawati went further, explicitly linking Syria’s future to regional reconciliation. He stated, “We sent a message of peace to establish relations with our neighbors, especially Israel.” He continued, “Let’s extend the Abraham Accords here — this is an opportunity for the Trump administration to lead a peace process. Israelis are looking for the same thing, and Syrians are ready for peace, reconstruction and development.”
Al-Sharaa’s past as a wanted terrorist has garnered strong criticism from Western officials. When questioned about it, Alnachawati responded that individuals can change, citing U.S. General David Petraeus, who had previously suggested Sharaa possessed the capacity to evolve into a statesman.
“I listened to Petraeus, and he said he saw this man as having hope to change,” Alnachawati commented. “He wants to unite Syria, achieve peace in the region and reflect that peace on the whole world. Syrians are ready to reestablish themselves, to live a normal life like any other citizen, and to extend their hands for peace.”
For many Syrians who have resettled in the United States, the day held particular poignancy. Shadi Martini, CEO of the Multifaith Alliance and a Syrian who fled at the start of the war and was in Syria a few months ago, told Digital, “It’s probably been 50 or 60 years since a Syrian president came to the U.N., so it’s very historic and emotional for a lot of Syrian Americans to see. President Sharaa was greeted by so many presidents and foreign dignitaries, and hopefully there will also be a meeting with President Trump.”