In a panel held as part of the Intercultural Media Dialogue Rhein-Main, the possible return of Syrians in Germany, the reconstruction of Syria, and processes of social reconciliation were discussed from multiple perspectives. Speakers emphasized that dialogue and the rule of law are critical for lasting peace.
The event brought together representatives from politics, media, religious institutions, and civil society under the title “To Go or to Stay? Current debates on people of Syrian origin in Germany.” It was jointly organized by Haus am Dom – Diocese of Limburg, the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau, Neue Deutsche Medienmacher:innen, and the International Journalists Association (IJA).
The discussion was framed around current political debates concerning the future of approximately 1.3 million Syrians living in Germany. Participants highlighted that many Syrians have built new lives in Germany, joined the workforce, raised families, and become an integral part of society.
Speakers expressed skepticism toward predictions that a large number of Syrians in Germany will return to Syria in the near future. According to participants, return would only be meaningful and sustainable if basic conditions such as security, the rule of law, and economic stability are in place.
One of the key topics of the event was Syria’s reconstruction. Participants stressed that international support should not be unconditional. Respect for human rights, protection of minorities, political participation, and the rule of law were described as essential prerequisites for sustainable reconstruction.
Social reconciliation was also a central theme of the discussion. Speakers noted that the wounds caused by war, forced displacement, and years of repression cannot be addressed through physical reconstruction alone. They emphasized the need for different segments of society in Syria to begin listening to one another again.
Participants also pointed out that reconciliation efforts are currently very difficult to carry out inside Syria itself under present conditions, highlighting instead the potential role of the diaspora. It was suggested that the foundations for social reconciliation can also be laid in exile through dialogue, mutual listening, and recognition of different experiences.
The role of the media was also discussed. Media was described not only as a tool for information dissemination, but also as an actor that can provide space for diverse voices, highlight human rights violations, and build bridges between societies.
The Intercultural Media Dialogue Rhein-Main is a joint initiative led by Haus am Dom – Diocese of Limburg, the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau, Neue Deutsche Medienmacher:innen, and the International Journalists Association (IJA). The initiative aims to create constructive spaces for dialogue by bringing different segments of society together.
A shared message that emerged throughout the discussion was that the future of Syria will not be shaped solely by debates over return or staying. Sustainable peace and stability require dialogue, social responsibility, and a culture of reconciliation just as much as physical reconstruction.
Coverage in FAZ
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), one of Germany’s leading newspapers, gave extensive coverage to the event on reconstruction and social reconciliation in Syria, held under the title “Interkultureller Mediendialog.” The report noted that the discussion addressed the situation of minorities in Syria, post-war reconstruction, and reconciliation efforts within the diaspora, and that participants largely agreed reconciliation efforts should begin among Syrians living abroad.