FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 15, 2024
The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) marked the 13th anniversary of the Syrian Revolution with a poignant event held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, on Capitol Hill featuring remarkable speakers, this event served as a solemn tribute to the unwavering spirit of the Syrian people who have tirelessly fought for freedom, dignity, and justice over the past thirteen years.
Thirteen years ago, Syrians bravely rose up against the oppressive Assad regime, seeking democratic reforms, freedom and an end to tyranny. What initially began as a peaceful quest for fundamental rights soon descended into a prolonged period of repression by the regime, resulting in immeasurable human suffering, loss of life, and widespread displacement that persists to this day. Despite immense challenges and setbacks, the spirit of the Syrian Revolution endures; Syrians continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and perseverance in the struggle for freedom and justice.
The event included Syrian voices on the ground and the diaspora to be heard, including Mahar Sharaf al-Din, poet from Suweyda, war crimes witness and former mass grave worker ‘Bulldozer Driver’, and others who joined virtually from Syria, including the provinces of Suweyda, Idlib and Rukban. Moreover, the event featured remarks by members of Congress, State Department and experts including House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), HFAC Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC), French Hill (R-AR), Deputy Ambassador of the Office of Global Criminal Justice David Mandel-Anthony, Former US Ambassador-at-large for War Crimes Stephen Rapp and Holocaust survivor Alfred Münzer.
Veronica Zanetta-Brandoni, SETF’s Director of Advocacy said, “At a time when some leaders around the world have engaged with Assad, our event served as a platform for policymakers to send a clear message that the US stands firm in its condemnation of normalization, reminding the criminal regime that it will be held accountable for its crimes and remain an international pariah.”
As we mark this somber anniversary, SETF honors the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of freedom and justice and calls for all to stand in solidarity with the Syrian people in their pursuit of freedom, democracy and dignity.
About the Syrian Emergency Task Force
The Syrian Emergency Task Force is a Syrian-American 501(c)(3) headquartered in Washington, D.C. SETF works tirelessly to bring an end to the killing in Syria through humanitarian initiatives, advocacy and the pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes. Today, SETF stands as the most notable American organization working on Syria, as evidenced by the impact it has made both on the ground in Syria and the U.S. SETF serves as a resource for education by bringing the voices of the Syrian people to the international stage. From testimonies at the UN Security Council to local grassroots community fundraisers, the team brings together like-minded people who are determined to fight for a safe, and free Syria away from the vicious dictatorship.
For any inquiries, please contact:
Maria Cure
[email protected]
www.setf.ngo