Winnipeggers who fled Syria say toppling of Assad regime brings feelings ‘beyond happiness’ [Video]

News of the Assad regime’s fall in Syria brought Winnipeggers to tears and reignited their hopes for the country.

Tens of thousands of Syrians are celebrating the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, after rebels said they entered the city and toppled the longtime ruler. The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and allied factions launched a lightning offensive on Nov. 27.

In Winnipeg, dozens gathered at the steps of the Manitoba Legislature on Sunday, braving the blowing snow to celebrate what they are framing as a turning point in Syria’s history, and looking toward the possibility of building a country based on democracy, peace and freedom. 

“I am a Syrian-Canadian who waited for this moment all her life,” Maysoun Darweesh said at the rally. “Here we are, the liberation day, unbelievable, look at us.” 

Syrian opposition flags were waved while people chanted slogans framing the country’s unity that some say were …