In June 2026, the Syrian Emergency Task Force led a high-level delegation to Syria focused on advancing accountability, strengthening partnerships, supporting humanitarian programs, and fostering the country’s long-term recovery.
Visiting Our Humanitarian Education Programs
The delegation visited Wisdom House Kindergarten and Tomorrow’s Dawn High School for Girls as they prepared to welcome a new cohort of students. A major milestone was celebrated at Wisdom House, which resumed classes in its original community for the first time since displacement following the successful reconstruction of the school and the return of families to the area. A donor whose generosity made the rebuilding possible joined the visit and witnessed firsthand the impact of this investment on the community’s return home.
Expanding Higher Education Partnerships
The delegation visited Idlib’s only private university, meeting with leadership, faculty, and more than 150 students. These discussions laid the groundwork for future partnerships between Syrian and American universities, creating new opportunities for academic exchange, institutional collaboration, and long-term capacity building.
Reconnecting with Communities
The team reconnected with former residents of Rukban and met with civil society organizations, including Wisdom House and Tomorrow’s Dawn, reinforcing longstanding partnerships and community ties that have been built over the past decade.
Advancing Accountability and Transitional Justice
The delegation documented critical new witness testimony at the Al Tal mass grave site, including firsthand accounts from individuals involved in burying victims, strengthening efforts to uncover the truth behind Syria’s mass atrocities. The team also returned to Sednaya Prison with a former detainee and newly identified witness, generating important new information related to the cases of Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, Mazen Al Hummada, and Austin Tice.
Strengthening Government Partnerships
SETF met with Syria’s Ministries of Interior, Emergency Response, and Media, as well as the national transitional justice committee. Discussions included urgent concerns regarding landmines discovered near a mass grave site and the development of a memorandum of understanding to institutionalize cooperation on transitional justice and accountability efforts for victims across Syria.
Supporting Technology and Innovation
The delegation convened discussions on Syria’s emerging national ID system and explored opportunities for partnerships with U.S. technology companies to support future innovation and digital infrastructure.
Building Parliamentary Relationships
SETF strengthened relationships with members of Syria’s new Parliament and extended invitations for future engagement and collaboration in Washington, D.C.
Honoring Mazen Al Hummada’s Legacy
The delegation met with Mazzen Al Hummada’s family and visited his gravesite, honoring his legacy while reaffirming SETF’s commitment to truth, justice, and accountability for victims of the Assad regime.
Supporting Survivor Healing and Awareness
Former U.S. detainee Sam Goodwin returned to Syria for the first time since his imprisonment under the Assad regime. During the visit, he revisited sites connected to his detention, reconnected with former fellow detainees, and documented his experience, contributing to survivor healing, public awareness, and ongoing accountability efforts.
Protecting Syria’s Jewish Heritage
The delegation met with members of Syria’s Jewish community, including individuals whose families experienced violence and property confiscation under the former regime. SETF is exploring opportunities to support property restitution and the protection of minority rights as part of broader human rights and accountability initiatives.
Expanding Public Awareness
Throughout the trip, U.S. content creator Nick Maddock documented the delegation and shared original content highlighting Syria’s resilience and the determination of its people, helping broaden international awareness and engagement.
The June 2026 delegation reflected SETF’s integrated approach to supporting Syria’s future – combining humanitarian assistance, education, accountability, government engagement, and international partnership development to help build a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Syria.
