As the Syrian Revolution approaches its 4th anniversary, the Coalition for a Democratic Syria invites you to Advocate for Syria Day in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER.

CDS will organize meetings for you with your Congressional Representatives on Thursday March 12th.

Please click here for a detailed list of talking points.

Please see below for information for the mandatory orientation webinar on March 8th and why you should attend “Advocate for Syria” day.

Orientation Webinar Sunday March 8th 2-3 PM EST

What: Learn our talking points directly from our Government Relations and Policy Advisors Mohammed Ghanem & Tyler Thompson, as well as tips and opportunity for questions and answers

How to Join the Webinar:

• via computer: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/372233165
• via phone: Dial +1 (646) 749-3131 Access Code: 372-233-165
• via app: Meeting ID: 372-233-165

Orientation & Breakfast Thursday March 12th 8AM  

What: You will be provided with a folder containing talking points, your name badge, directions, and additional materials for your meeting. This will be a final tutorial with our CDS government relations staff on talking points before your meeting. Complimentary breakfast included.

Where: 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

             Rooms 1 & 2

Your Support Could Turn the Tide. 

Join us in D.C. for Advocate for Syria Day.

Dear Syrian Americans and supporters of freedom in Syria,

They told us we were finished.

After four years of conflict, 210,000 dead, and 10 million displaced, they told us that Syrians’ sacrifices for democracy were all in vain. Analysts speculated that it was “game over.” President Obama scoffed that our fight for freedom had always been a “fantasy.”

Syrians near Damascus do not listen to pundits. Under constant bombardment and sieges, they have continued protests to demand democracy, condemn extremism, and denounce global apathy. In January, residents of Beit Sahm held a huge protest against extremism. Just last week, a creative protest in Douma earned global media coverage of Assad’s atrocities.

Syrian rebels in Aleppo do not listen to pundits. Last Tuesday, elite Iranian mercenaries blockaded 400,000 civilians in Aleppo City in a surprise attack. But the rebels fought back. Day after day, they reclaimed territory and inflicted heavy casualties. Today, Aleppo has regained its lifeline, and Assad’s mercenaries have suffered perhaps their worst defeat in Syria.

Despite the dangers and setbacks, revolutionaries across Syria persevere in their struggle for freedom. We, too, must persevere in our struggle to get them the help they need.

The truth is that the pundits are wrong. Both inside Syria and in Washington, D.C., there are signs that momentum is shifting in our favor. We need to seize this moment.

U.S. policy is more focused on Syria than at any point since 2011. Americans are pressuring their leaders to stop ISIS, and policymakers are slowly realizing that Assad and ISIS are inseparable. In November, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel questioned the President’s unwillingness to confront both ISIS and Assad, then resigned. On Thursday, the President charged Assad with fueling ISIS and suggested that defeating ISIS required Assad’s departure.

On Friday, the U.S. and Turkey agreed on a deal to train and arm Syrian rebels. Reportedly, the rebels would be expected to use the arms against both ISIS and Assad. This could be a major breakthrough.

Momentum shows signs of shifting in our favor. We need to seize this moment to ensure that it does. At this delicate time, a push here or a pull there could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Join us in Washington, D.C. on March 12th as we push the U.S. Congress to act for the Syrian Revolution.

Sincerely,

Sohaib Alagha, Muna Jondy, & Dr. Hashem Mubarak

CDS “Advocate For Syria” Day Committee Chairs

Please sign up for Advocate for Syria Day, and circulate this call to action among your friends, family members, and all supporters of freedom and human rights for Syria. Once you sign up, we will prepare you with detailed packets and coaching on how to effectively influence your Congress members and how to field the tough questions about America’s role in Syria. For now, please click here for the main petition items that you will present to Congress during the advocacy days.