The Syrian American Alliance for Peace & Prosperity (SAAPP) organized a successful conference in the US Congress to pressure lawmakers to lift sanctions on Syria and begin reconstruction. The conference was attended by a large number of senators and members of Congress, including Senators James Risch and Joe Wilson and other senior lawmakers, as well as a large number of the Syrian American community from all over America to participate in this important conference, traveling to Washington DC from all US states to support these efforts and to pressure for lifting the sanctions. There were dialogue sessions with legislators, and many of the community’s demands were adopted in the special session by Senator James Risch, who stated clearly during the meeting in response to the intervention of Michael Singh, President of the Washington Center for Studies, and said, “Mr. Singh, you said that the interim government and its president did not do a good job in Idlib, as you mentioned, but it is interesting that I met with at least 25-30 people from Syria, and their concern was to rebuild Syria again, and at the table there were Sunnis, Shiites, Christians, Alawites, and Druze, and they were all not interested in talking about their religious orientation, but they emphasized that in Syria they all live together and that they have lived together for centuries and can continue to live together if things are done correctly. Mr. Singh, the things you mentioned are disturbing, but the new leadership in Syria understands that we are looking for things different from that, and they know very well that if there is no religious freedom in this region, the country will be in big trouble.” End of quote
Congressman Brendan Boyle Speech-SAAPP Conference Feb 11, 2025.
📢 A Historic Moment for Syria & a Powerful Speech from Congressman Brendan Boyle
At our SAAPP Washington, D.C. conference on February 11, we were honored to welcome Congressman Brendan Boyle, a true friend of the Syrian American community and a relentless advocate for a free, stable, and democratic Syria.
Reflecting on this historic moment, he stated:
💬 “You didn’t give up the fight. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t quick. But we got the job done. And now Syria is free of Assad.”
But he also urged us to stay focused:
💬 “This is exactly the wrong time to take our eye off Syria. This is our golden moment to build the free, stable, and democratic Syria we’ve long fought for.”
He praised the Syrian American community for its resilience and contributions:
💬 “The United States benefits from having you as our fellow Americans.”
We at SAAPP are grateful for Congressman Boyle’s unwavering commitment and look forward to continuing this fight together!
Moderator: Dr. Rim Albezem
Speaker: Congressman Brendan Boyle
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) Calls for U.S. Support in Syria’s Transition | SAAPP Conference Feb11.
Vicente Gonzalez, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 15th congressional district, calls for the U.S. to play a key role in Syria’s transition, including easing sanctions and supporting economic opportunities for the Syrian people. He emphasizes the importance of the Syrian people’s voices being heard as they work to ensure territorial integrity, an inclusive administration, and rebuilding efforts.
Gonzalez states he will continue supporting the Syrian people and working with congressional colleagues to improve the lives of Syrians and Syrian Americans under the new regime. He sees this as an exciting time of change and new opportunities for Syria.
Moderator: Dr. Monzer Yajzi
Speaker: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
Congressman Pete Sessions on Syria: A Vision for Freedom, Stability & U.S. Partnership.
In his speech at the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity (SAAPP) conference on February 11, 2025, Congressman Pete Sessions voiced his strong commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of freedom and stability.
He stressed the importance of the United States taking a leadership role in helping Syria move toward a brighter future—one where its people are empowered, not held back by sanctions.
Believing that nations should act in their own best interests, Sessions shared his hope that Syria and the U.S. could build a collaborative partnership in the region. He spoke of a future where Syria joins the ranks of prosperous nations that have secured stability and opportunity for their citizens.
His remarks reflected a diplomatic and constructive approach, one focused on empowering the Syrian people and fostering cooperation between the two countries.
Moderator: Mr. George Stifo
Speaker: Congressman Pete Sessions