The Middle East is at a turning point. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria marks the collapse of one of the seven warfronts Iran and its militias launched against Israel on October 7. This is more than a military milestone—it is a moment of relief and hope for the Syrian and Lebanese peoples, who have suffered for decades under the brutal grip of Assad and Iran’s destructive influence.
Israel’s decisive actions against Iranian proxies and terror networks in Syria have been instrumental in this historic change. By confronting the axis of oppression, Israel has created a path for Syrians and Lebanese to aspire to freedom, stability, and dignity. Just weeks ago, Israel also delivered justice for Lebanon by eliminating the terrorist responsible for the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, offering the Lebanese people a measure of closure after years of impunity.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s vision to reshape the Middle East—supported by the U.S. and Arab allies—has proven accurate. The fall of Assad is not just a victory for Syrians and a vindication for Israel but a step toward a more secure and brighter future for the entire region.
As we move forward, we envision a day when Syrians and Lebanese can openly recognize Israel as a partner in peace and prosperity and acknowledge the sacrifices Israel made to get to this point. Yet, challenges remain. Extremist elements among the Syrian rebels who ousted Assad could pose a new threat, and the international community must act swiftly to help stabilize and rebuild Syria. Syrian leaders now have a choice: embrace peace and nation-building or risk plunging their nation into further chaos.
Israel must remain vigilant. Thousands of Israeli families remain displaced in the north, and Hamas continues to prolong the war by holding hostages and using Gazans as human shields. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the fall of Assad demonstrates that real change is possible. This moment of transformation is a moment of opportunity—one that must be seized to build a future of justice, stability, and peace for all in the Middle East. With our decades of experience in the region, the American Jewish Congress remains ready to work with our regional partners to achieve this goal.