Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s army in Aleppo, Syrian refugees Iyad Alati and Safa Jneidi celebrate what they hope will be a new dawn for their country. The couple fled Syria in 2011, escaping the brutal civil war and eventually resettling in Vashon, Washington, in 2017, aided by the local resettlement committee. They now run a thriving food cart business, Iyad’s Syrian Grill, and have become integral members of their community. Their story reflects the resilience of Syrian refugees who have endured immense hardship yet found new opportunities in a foreign land. They vividly recount the horrors of war and the moment they realized they could no longer stay in Syria.

As they reflect on their past, they express a strong desire to see Syria recover and hope for the chance to return one day to help rebuild. The couple's joy at current events is tempered by their memories of suffering and loss. Their narrative illustrates the transformative power of community support and the enduring connection to their homeland.