By Samah Abdul-Fattah | 2026-08-14

Hopeful Syrians are finally returning home in large numbers, eager to rebuild after enduring years of painful, forced displacement.

Despite this widespread optimism, returnees encounter immense obstacles hindering national reconstruction, compounded by severe and persistent financial instability.

Sociologist Tasneem al-Taqash notes her research on return challenges reveals a deep longing among the global diaspora to return after 15 years of war.

"The process often starts with short family visits, eventually leading to permanent return plans shared with friends and relatives overseas," she told Al-Fassel.

Forging a new Syrian society

"Beyond financial struggles and rising living costs, successfully integrating into Syria's diverse social fabric remains the returnees' most daunting challenge," al-Taqash added.

Such integration is essential to forge a new social contract, effectively repairing the deep societal divisions actively fostered by the previous regime.

Al-Taqash notes "that returnees bring innovative ideas and a vital spirit of tolerance, fostering unity regardless of religious or social background."

Yasseen Tasabehji and his family exemplify this trend, returning from Canada to Damascus to launch a unique private mountain climbing gym.

Their family joins a broader wave of 1.5 million returning Syrians who are actively seeking to reclaim their sense of purpose at home.

"We saw a country that needs everything, and we felt like any addition will make a huge difference," Tasabehji, 33, told Al Jazeera while sitting comfortably inside the family's climbing gym in Damascus's Mezzeh neighborhood.

The family actively gives back to their community by running programs at the gym designed to build self-esteem among young Syrians.

Reclaiming Syria's place on the world stage

Syrian economist and Damascus University professor Mahmoud Mustafa stated that "returning citizens are grappling with major financial difficulties and high energy prices, noting that monthly electricity costs can surpass $100."

"Syria's reconstruction involves more than just repairing infrastructure like power, water and telecom networks; it is also about reclaiming the country's status on the world stage," he told Al-Fassel.

The World Bank estimates that Syria's extensive reconstruction process will cost approximately $216 billion in total funds.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa is working to lift sanctions and re-engage with international allies to aid recovery.

Diplomatic progress with Western and regional powers paves the way for essential investment and aid, ultimately helping to restore much-needed confidence among the Syrian people.