The Journal.
A Syrian Father’s Journey to Find His Son
Apr 28, 2025
Ben C. Solomon, a journalist for WSJ, shares the poignant journey of Suleiman al-Youssef, a Syrian father searching for his missing son, Shadi, lost in the civil war. They explore heart-wrenching themes of loss and hope, as Suleiman clings to a video that might show Shadi outside a notorious prison. Solomon reveals the broader tragedy of countless families facing similar heartbreak, illustrating resilience against despair. The emotional depth of one father's quest shines a light on the tens of thousands who remain missing in Syria.
21:26
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Quick takeaways
- Suleiman al-Youssef's decade-long search for his son Shadi highlights the profound emotional toll of familial loss during the Syrian civil war.
- The discovery of a video claiming to show his son reignites hope for Suleiman, underscoring the uncertainty faced by many Syrian families.
Deep dives
A Father's Search for His Missing Son
Suleyman Al-Yusuf, a father from Syria, has devoted over a decade to searching for his son Shadi, who went missing in 2013 amid the chaos of the Syrian conflict. Shadi, described as dignified and ambitious, was last seen trying to find work in Damascus before being arrested at a checkpoint. Despite his father's warnings to stay away from the city, Shadi's desire to help his family led him into a dangerous situation where he disappeared, leaving Suleyman and his wife, Mfadi, in perpetual heartache. The search has been fraught with uncertainty, as Suleyman faced a systemic environment of widespread disappearances and arbitrary detentions under the Assad regime.
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