The interim Syrian president, Ahmad el-Chareh, while receiving the Saudi Foreign Minister in Damascus, on May 31, 2025. (Credit: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)/AFP.)
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa gave his first-ever interview to a Jewish media outlet last month in Damascus, marking an important moment in regional diplomacy. Published on Wednesday, the interview appeared in the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Sharaa emphasized the need to move beyond “endless tit-for-tat bombings,” stating that Syria and Israel share “common enemies” and could play a key role in regional security.
Jonathan Bass recounts speaking with the head of state in Assad's former palace, now called the People's Palace, which sharply contrasts with the surrounding modest buildings. “We are not starting from zero,” Sharaa told Bass. “We are starting from the depths.” The American journalist describes him as " carrying himself with quiet conviction," speaking softly but with carefully chosen words. "There is no triumph in his voice — only urgency."
"We have inherited much more than ruins." “We’ve inherited trauma, mistrust, and fatigue. But we have also inherited hope. Fragile, yes — but real.” the Syrian president declared to him. "It would be dishonest to speak of a clean slate." "The past is present, in the eyes of every person, every street, every family. But our duty now is not to repeat it."
Speaking of his desire to create something "completely new," Sharaa presented his vision of a vibrant, multicultural, pluralistic society, supporting the right of return for all Syrians, Jews, Druze, Christians, and others, the journalist writes. "The state must now listen more than it commands," the president affirmed.
"I am not asking for trust" he said "I ask for patience – and for scrutiny. Hold me accountable, hold this process accountable. This is how trust will come."
Asked about the most urgent needs of Syrians at present, Sharaa responded: "Dignity through work. Peace through purpose."
Attempting to attract foreign investments, notably regional ones, Sharaa says he believes in education. “Every young man with a job is one less soul at risk of radicalization,” Sharaa said. “Every child in school is a vote for the future.”
'No nation can prosper when the skies are filled with fear'
Regarding Syria's relations with Israel, the Syrian president emphasized his intention to return to the 1974 disengagement agreement (Dofa Accord), as the Israeli army has occupied positions in the supposed demilitarized Golan zone since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
The text represents for him the foundation for mutual restraint and the protection of civilians, especially Druze communities – whom Israel tried to woo by exploiting their fear of the new power in Damascus, stemming from political Islam – whom Sharaa does not want to see as "pawns."
“The era of endless tit-for-tat bombings must end. No nation prospers when its skies are filled with fear. The reality is, we have common enemies — and we can play a major role in regional security,” Sharaa continued.
An unveiled reference to the "axis of resistance" led by Iran and dominated by Hezbollah until recently, which had helped the Assad regime remain in power during the bloody repressed Syrian revolution of 2011.
Israeli strikes, intense and regular after the rebels led by Sharaa came to power, had ceased shortly before the American announcement of lifting sanctions against Syria, after the Syrian president met with his American counterpart Donald Trump in Riyadh.
Direct discussions between Damascus and Tel Aviv have notably helped contain tensions, although the Jewish state recently launched strikes on Tartous and Latakia after nearly a month of respite. While the idea of normalization was mentioned by the White House tenant, al-Sharaa dismissed its imminent nature, saying he was nevertheless open to future discussions based on international law and sovereignty.
The Syrian president appeared more eager to build a special relationship with Trump, whom he sees as a "man of peace," "he is the only man capable of fixing this region, bringing us together, one brick at a time.”
"We want the U.S. to partner with us — in governance, in anti-corruption, in building institutions based on honesty and integrity.”
Reiterating Trumps slogan, he stated: "We must make Syria great again." As he left the presidential palace, Bass notes that no portrait of the president hangs on the wall, no slogan, no flag. "Just a man trying to unite a map of Syria into a country of equals" he writes, visibly impressed.
"I did not seek this position to rule," affirms Sharaa. "“I accepted it because Syria must turn the page. And I would rather help write that history — with others — than watch it be torn apart again"
