In the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s dictatorship falling in Syria in December 2024, the country descended into chaos. The regime’s prisons, which had been closed off for decades, were suddenly opened, releasing a flood of detainees. Among them was Suleyman al-Youssef’s son, Shadi, who was seen fleeing Saydnaya prison in a video that gave his father hope of finding him.
The Wall Street Journal joined Suleyman al-Youssef in his desperate search for more information about his son’s whereabouts. The video chronicles the heartbreaking journey of a father who refuses to give up on finding his missing son, providing a heartbreaking and intimate look at the toll Syria’s war has taken on families across the country.
The video includes clips of Shadi, giving viewers a glimpse into his story and the anguish of his family. It delves into Shadi’s background, highlighting the life he had before his arrest under Assad’s oppressive rule. It also sheds light on the experiences of other families who are also searching for their loved ones in the wake of the regime’s fall.
Throughout the video, Suleyman al-Youssef’s determination and resilience in tracking down the man seen in the clips of his son are palpable. His dedication to uncovering the truth about what happened to Shadi serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of family bonds, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.
The story of Suleyman al-Youssef and his son Shadi is just one of many untold stories of loss and longing in war-torn Syria. As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of Assad’s regime, families like theirs are left to navigate the painful process of searching for their missing loved ones, clinging to hope in the face of uncertainty and despair.
The Journal’s poignant and impactful video shines a light on the human cost of Syria’s war and the enduring power of love and dedication in the face of unimaginable tragedy. It is a stark reminder of the toll that conflict takes on families and communities, and the urgent need for justice and accountability in the wake of such devastation.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “12 Years Missing in Syria’s War—A Father’s Desperate Search | WSJ” was uploaded on 03/26/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal