Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa wrote history at the General Assembly of the United Nations on Wednesday and gave a speech that marked the first time in almost six decades that a Syrian leader has tackled the world organ. His appearance in New York attracted thousands of Syrian supporters who gathered outside the headquarters of UN, celebrated what they described as a new chapter for their war torn by war and insisted on US President Donald Trump to support the reintegration of Syria in the international community.
The moment wore special weight for Syrians abroad, many of whom fled during the 14-year civil war of the country. They waved flags, wore banners and sang calling for peace and reconstruction. For them, the sight of a Syrian president was welcomed at the UN both symbolic and deeply personal.
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President of Syria Ahmad al-Sharaa speaks during the General Meeting of the United Nations (UNGA) at the United Nations head office on 24 September 2025 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty images)
Mustafa also thanked the Trump government for steps to relieve sanctions and say: “As a government we say Mr Trump for his courage in lifting sanctions to Syria.”
In his UN address, President Al-Sharaa called for demonstrating sanctions, promising to follow a new Syria built on unity, sovereignty and peace with his neighbors. ” He said that the conflict had brought “undisturbed suffering” and emphasized that “Syrians deserve the right to rebuild their lives, their houses and their country.”
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President Donald Trump (left) and Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty images; Mehmet Ali Ozcan/Anadolu via Getty images)
The effort is high: Israel has performed dozens of strikes in Syria in recent months and aimed at what civil servants say are troops, weapon depots and positions near the Israeli border supported by Iranian. Israeli officials have framed the operations as a warning for the new leadership of Syria as a step to protect vulnerable minorities such as the Druze, which are confronted with attacks and slaughter under the government of Al-Sharaa.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will speak in UNGA on Friday, said in a statement that every deal is “contingent to secure the interests of Israel”, including “Demilitaries of Southwest -Syria and the Druzen damage.”
The rally outside the UN was organized by Dr. Hicham Alnachawati, who emphasized that the new Syrian leadership wants peace – also with Israel.
“This is a historic moment for us as Syrians. We have not seen a president in more than 57 years not giving the VN any speech,” said Alnachawati. “We hope that this message of peace and prosperity will encourage other world leaders, and in particular President Trump, to support the remaining sanctions so that we can rebuild a new Syria.”
Alnachawati continued and linked the future of Syria directly to regional reconciliation. “We sent a message of peace to establish relationships with our neighbors, especially Israel,” he said. “Let’s expand the Abraham agreements here -this is an opportunity for the Trump government to lead a peace process. Israelis are looking for the same and Syrians are ready for peace, reconstruction and development.”
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A picture of damage at the headquarters of the Syrian General and the nearby buildings after Israeli air strikes aimed at the capital Damascus, Syria on July 17, 2025. (Izettin Kasim/Anadolu via Getty images)
Al-Sharaa’s past as a wanted terrorist has received sharp criticism from Western officials. When asked about this, Alnachawati replied that people can change, with reference to the American General David Petraeus, who previously suggested that Sharaa had the capacity to evolve to a statesman.
“I listened to Petraeus and he said he was hopeing to change this man,” said Alnachawati. “He wants to unite Syria, reach peace in the region and reflect that peace all over the world. Syrians are ready to restore himself, to live a normal life like any other citizen and to expand their hands for peace.”
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