New clashes in Syria triggering unsettledness in Germany's community
In recent times, the Syrian diaspora in Germany has been grappling with a wave of unrest and division, as conflicts back home spill over into the heart of European communities.
The "9th of the month" movement, a group advocating for a democratic Syria rooted in human rights and the rule of law, has been at the forefront of efforts to counter this divisive tide. The co-founder of the movement, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the movement was established to advocate for a Syria for all Syrians.
The movement has organized silent vigils, such as one outside Germany's Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, protesting "massacres, sieges ... and sectarian hysteria." They believe that the fall of the Assad regime is but a first step towards the Syria they want and fight for.
However, the path to achieving this goal is fraught with challenges. The recent violence in Syria between the Druze and Bedouin-Sunnis, which started due to tit-for-tat kidnappings in the southern province of Sweida in mid-July, is a stark reminder of the complexities involved.
In response, initiatives to combat disinformation and hate speech on social media have emerged. The Syria Campaign, for instance, urges the EU Commission to implement the Digital Services Act to ensure platforms protect social media users from online hate.
Moreover, fact-checking organizations like Verify-Sy work to disprove false information circulating within Syrian social media networks. Misinformation is exacerbated by local actors and foreign governments seeking to manipulate narratives post-Assad regime fall.
German platforms like RIAS Berlin Commission emphasize the importance of protecting democracy and press freedom, which indirectly supports combating false narratives affecting immigrant and refugee communities, including Syrians.
Unfortunately, the situation has led to tensions among the Syrian community in Germany. A protest in Berlin, for example, saw a small group of men chanting against the Druze and Israel. Syrian-Israeli tensions have been heightened due to recent Israeli bombing of Syria, allegedly "in defense" of Syrian Druze.
Emotions are running high, and social media is making things worse. Disinformation and hate speech are present, some of which is paid for or pushed by parties and governments who'd prefer to see Syria divided.
Amidst this turmoil, stories of unity and resilience emerge. Ahmad, a 30-year-old waiter in Berlin, stopped talking to a Druze friend due to his intention to buy property near the Israeli border. Yet, Hassan, a 32-year-old Syrian, living in Germany since 2015, remains hopeful. He sees the efforts of the 9th of the month movement and others as a beacon of hope for a united, peaceful Syria.
In Dusseldorf, a fight broke out between two groups of several hundred demonstrators, one pro-Kurdish and the other supporting the interim Syrian government. Yet, the demonstration in Berlin was organized to reject interference in the domestic affairs of Syria and attempts to sow ethnic and sectarian strife.
As the Syrian conflict continues, the Syrian diaspora in Germany is finding ways to stand up against disinformation, hate speech, and division. The key efforts include governmental and civil society advocacy for legal enforcement, community mobilization against divide-and-rule tactics, fact-checking efforts by Syrian organizations, and the overarching framework of democratic safeguard initiatives in Germany.
- The "9th of the month" movement, a group advocating for a democratic Syria grounded in human rights and the rule of law, has been actively countering the divisive unrest within the Syrian community in Europe, particularly in Germany.
- The movement's co-founder explained that their objective is to advocate for a Syria for all Syrians, organizing silent vigils to protest against massacres, sieges, and sectarian hysteria in Syria.
- The fall of the Assad regime is seen as a first step towards the Syria they are fighting for, but the path to achieving this goal is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the recent violence between the Druze and Bedouin-Sunnis in Syria.
- In response to the rise of disinformation and hate speech on social media, initiatives have emerged, with organizations like The Syria Campaign urging the EU Commission to implement the Digital Services Act to protect social media users from online hate.
- Fact-checking organizations like Verify-Sy work to disprove false information circulating within Syrian social media networks, recognizing the manipulation of narratives by local actors and foreign governments post-Assad regime fall.
