Today, we are standing on the right side of history.

It is with profound gratitude that I announce The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (H.R. 31/S. 52) has been signed into law by President Trump as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). With President Trump’s signature, this bipartisan legislation sends a clear message to Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies that they will be held accountable for the atrocities committed against the Syrian people. For Syrians and Syrian Americans, this landmark legislation represents a moral stand on behalf of the United States. It would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of you, the members of our community.

We recognize the enormous effort in passing this legislation. We are grateful for the time, work, and dedication of each and every one of our members. Whether you wrote to your Senator, called your Representative, or found a different way to make your voice heard, I salute your tenacious fight for justice. From here in Washington D.C., together with you, we relentlessly advocated for years.

You never gave up. You never wavered. You persisted. Because of you, the Syrian people are one step closer to freedom.

As activists, we didn’t give up, even in the face of insurmountable odds. We pushed past speculations and naysayers who told us that it would never work. On causes that matter, there will always be skeptics. Revolutions take time, work, and determination. And we did it. We committed and stayed the course to justice, and we are committed to continuing to strive toward a world in which Syrians can be free.

We recognize that the Caesar Bill is just the first step in seeking justice and accountability for Assad's crimes in Syria. On this occasion, we remember the lives and loved ones lost in the fight for freedom. We are grateful for our partnerships with other Syrian American organizations, Syrians inside Syria and the diaspora, and our non-Syrian allies. Thank you for your resolute support for Syrians – both in the United States and on the ground in Syria. We at the Syrian American Council will continue the fight alongside our partner organizations and community, and I hope that you will continue to stand with us in support of a free, safe, and democratic Syria.

Please consider donating to the Syrian American Council so that we may continue our advocacy for Syria and for Syrians in the United States.

With much appreciation to our staff and members,
Suzanne Meriden
Executive Director
Syrian American Council