Anas Younes, a 47-year-old Syrian-Palestinian, closely monitors the unfolding events in his homeland from his new life in Malmö, Sweden. His mother and sisters, still residing in Damascus, experience a mix of joy and apprehension following the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Years of ingrained fear under the oppressive regime make it difficult for them to fully embrace the possibility of freedom, leaving them questioning if real change is truly possible. Younes, while sharing their happiness, grapples with complex emotions. He rejoices for the political prisoners released but feels a sense of collective guilt, wondering why such a large celebratory crowd didn’t act sooner to liberate them. This highlights the pervasiveness of fear and the paralyzing effect of long-term oppression on a population.
Younes’s own journey to Sweden reflects the intricate realities of many in the Middle East. Born to a Palestinian father and Syrian mother, he grew up stateless in Damascus. This lack of citizenship severely restricted his freedom of movement, limiting job opportunities despite his qualifications in marketing. His family’s eventual escape from Syria was staggered. His wife and sons arrived in Sweden as refugees, while Younes, due to work commitments in Africa, joined them later through family reunification. He recounts the precariousness of his stateless existence, relying on a special travel document for Palestinian refugees in Syria accepted only by a limited number of countries. This document allowed him to work in locations like the Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, Sierra Leone, and Congo, but it ultimately hindered his career progression, blocking opportunities in countries that didn’t recognize the document.
A poignant moment in Younes’s story is his sole return to Syria after nine years, prompted by his father’s grave illness. This trip was fraught with danger. He had to navigate a network of contacts to ensure his safety, fearing arbitrary detention or worse. He vividly describes the anxiety he experienced at each of the five checkpoints, unsure whether he would be imprisoned or allowed to continue. The pervasive fear cultivated by the regime is palpable in his recollection of having to check if his name appeared on any lists, as false accusations from prisoners desperate to survive were commonplace. The story of his cousin’s death in prison further underscores the brutality of the Assad regime and the constant threat hanging over those who dared to dissent or simply existed under suspicion.
The plight of his family members continues to weigh heavily on Younes. His stateless sisters remain trapped in Syria, unable to join their brother in Qatar or find refuge elsewhere. This forced separation reflects the enduring impact of his family’s statelessness, highlighting the limitations and vulnerabilities it creates. His mother, holding Syrian citizenship, is able to travel and visit his brother, but the sisters are denied this basic freedom. Younes’s determination to spare his sons from a similar fate is a driving force behind his decision to seek a new life in Sweden. He acknowledges the emotional toll of witnessing his homeland’s devastation and the uncertainty of the future. While longing to return to the familiar landscapes of his childhood, he acknowledges the profound changes and the lingering pain of a country scarred by conflict.
Younes’s experience also sheds light on the Assad regime’s deliberate strategy of division. The government sowed discord among different ethnic and religious groups, even within cities, to maintain control and suppress dissent. This systematic manipulation is exemplified by the indoctrination he experienced in school, where loyalty to the regime was paramount. The regime’s cynical manipulation of religious practices further illustrates their divide-and-conquer approach. Initially restricting access to mosques and churches, they later permitted attendance while controlling the narrative and promoting their own agenda. This strategic fragmentation of society served to weaken any potential opposition and perpetuate the regime’s grip on power.
Finding solace and purpose in basketball, Younes quickly connected with Malbas, a local club in Malmö, upon his arrival in Sweden. His passion for the sport, honed during his time playing in Syria’s highest league, provided a sense of belonging and a way to contribute to his new community. He dedicated himself to the club, volunteering his time and expertise, viewing it as a way to repay Sweden for providing safety and security for his children. Despite his marketing background, he faced significant challenges in finding employment, enduring a long period of underemployment punctuated by short-term projects and modest compensation for refereeing. His wife became the primary breadwinner, highlighting the employment struggles many refugees face despite their qualifications and experience.
Eventually, Malbas recognized Younes’s value and dedication, offering him a position as sports director for the youth program. In this role, he oversees administration, membership management, and referee assignments, showcasing his multifaceted skills and commitment to the club. Malbas, with over 1,100 young basketball players and 500 more on a waiting list, demonstrates the significant demand for youth sports in the community. Younes, deeply invested in the club’s social impact, views his role as extending beyond coaching, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and guidance for the young players. His personal experience with the devastating consequences of societal divisions fuels his passion for creating a positive and inclusive environment at Malbas. He recognizes the crucial role of sports and other activities in providing constructive outlets for youth, keeping them engaged and away from negative influences. Now a Swedish citizen, Younes is dedicated to building a stronger community through sports, emphasizing Malbas’ diverse and inclusive nature, and working to shape a brighter future for the next generation.
