In June 2024, The What If organized a dialogue to explore ways to overcome anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon and foster more inclusive narratives.

 Objective of the Dialogue

This dialogue aimed to explore peaceful and forward-looking strategies to address the rise of anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon. Participants were invited to critically assess the roots, drivers, and future consequences of this sentiment, and to propose concrete, community-driven solutions to mitigate resentment, violence, and polarization between Lebanese and Syrian communities.

Participants’ Backgrounds

  • Rami Jabbour – Lebanese peacebuilder and facilitator, active in community dialogue and youth engagement
  • Ranya Assassa – Syrian civil society practitioner and researcher focusing on transitional justice and community healing
  • Maya Yamout – Lebanese academic and co-founder of the NGO Rescue Me, specializing in reintegration of marginalized youth and ex-prisoners
  • Hussein Cheaito – Economist and policy researcher, known for work on Lebanese-Syrian relations and socio-political critique

Key Takeaways

The Root Causes of Anti-Syrian Sentiment Are Historical and Political

 Participants emphasized that the current wave of resentment is not new. It stems from deep-rooted Lebanese-Syrian tensions related to past Syrian military presence in Lebanon, the Syrian regime’s role in the Lebanese Civil War, and unresolved historical traumas. These undercurrents are now being inflamed by political instrumentalization and economic collapse.

Stigmatization of Syrian Refugees Is Systemic and Worsening


 Participants shared examples of structural discrimination,  from arbitrary curfews imposed by municipalities to exclusion from job markets and public services. The lack of clear legal distinction between Syrian refugees and migrant workers has intensified public confusion and resentment, with media often scapegoating Syrians for crimes or economic hardship.

The Solution Lies in Narrative Shift Through Non-Traditional Media


 Several participants advocated for investing in youth-led media, social influencers, and non-traditional content creators to counter hate speech and build alternative narratives. These actors are more agile and influential than mainstream media, which remains largely politicized. Engaging them in peace messaging and storytelling could reach wider audiences and younger generations.

NGOs Must Partner with Municipalities and Political Youth Wings


 Local municipalities, despite limited capacity and politicization, remain pivotal to managing community-level tensions. NGOs can work with them to promote rights-based governance, create inclusive public spaces, and manage the presence of refugees in a way that reduces friction. Similarly, engaging youth sectors of political parties is seen as critical for long-term mindset change.



Bridging Lebanese and Syrian Youth Through Dialogue and Joint Initiatives Is Crucial


 Building shared spaces where young Syrians and Lebanese can collaborate on community initiatives was highlighted as a practical step toward trust-building. Co-creating cultural projects, running businesses together, and participating in civic workshops allow youth to see each other beyond political labels. These relationships can act as anchors of stability even when national-level politics are divisive.

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We used AI to help us with the summary of the dialogue’s transcript, and with the copy editing of the final draft.