We are the Syrian Community in the Netherlands – an independent, non-profit, and non-political legal entity, founded through a voluntary initiative by members of the community to represent Syrians in the Netherlands and provide a unifying platform that addresses their concerns and amplifies their voices in a transparent, democratic, and participatory manner.

We work to strengthen Syrian identity, reinforce community ties, and provide an organizational environment that empowers everyone to contribute effectively, free from exclusion or subservience.

Our initiative stems from a vision that believes the community is represented not by words, but by collective action, openness, and respect for diversity.

A transparent - open - and democratic project is now in your hands.

How did we begin?

As a result of the war waged by the Assad regime and its allies against the Syrian people, the number of Syrians residing in the Netherlands has become very large compared to the number before the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011.

And the Syrians in the Netherlands continued to look forward to a unified umbrella organization under which the Syrian community in the Netherlands could come together.

There were numerous initiatives and consultations, which intensified immediately after the fall of the criminal Assad regime at the end of 2014. Some Syrians in the Netherlands took the initiative to establish a formal Syrian community organization to serve as a home for Syrians, where they could pursue their social and cultural activities, strengthen their children's connection to their homeland, and have an active presence in Dutch society.

From this point, work began, driven by the efforts of a number of volunteers, to transform this dream into reality on the ground, despite the various difficulties overcome by those with experience, resources, community presence, and connections that would contribute to the project's success.

Working groups were formed from among the Syrian volunteers, including an organizing committee that worked diligently, voluntarily, and transparently, without any official representation or external support, to build the legal and organizational foundation for what they hoped would become: a truly representative Syrian community.

What have we accomplished?

• Establishing a legally registered association in the Netherlands under the name Syrische Gemeenschap in Nederland (Vereniging), ensuring the periodic rotation of power and adherence to democratic principles.

• Drafting democratic bylaws. A professional framework was developed with the participation of highly qualified specialists from the community.

• A comprehensive organizational structure was designed, distributing work among specialized offices: (Media, Public Relations, External Relations, Legal Affairs, Public Activities, Education, Health, Youth, Women and Family, Membership, etc.).

• A fully volunteer, temporary administrative board was formed, possessing no permanent privileges or authority, and working solely to manage the transitional phase.

• An official membership application was launched, allowing every Syrian man and woman in the Netherlands to join as a member, without any exclusionary conditions.

Who is this platform for?

This platform is not for those who launched it… but rather:

• For every Syrian man and woman who believes in change from within.

• For everyone who has felt alienated and wants to belong.

• For everyone who has energy, an idea, or skills and wants to contribute to building a stronger community.

• For everyone who believes that a collective voice is stronger than individual efforts.

We established it… and the decision is yours!

We do not represent anyone, no one appointed us, and we do not seek representation.

We clearly acknowledge that some of you They told us, “Who appointed you?” or “You don’t represent us!”

And we say: You are right. We represent only ourselves.

We worked with purely voluntary effort to create a transparent legal platform, whose leadership will later be handed over to members of the community through free elections in a general assembly.

We acknowledge that we sometimes made mistakes and sometimes succeeded, and we do not claim perfection, but we worked with pure intentions, integrity, and respect for every voice that has not yet heard from us.

Non-compromise principles:

• No individual, even on the interim council, has the right to unilaterally amend any clause of the bylaws or the organizational structure.

• The general assembly is the supreme authority, and all amendments are made through a collective vote.

• Everything is temporary: positions, organization, and even the structure—all are subject to development and modification.

• No one owns the platform or delegates authority over it—it belongs to everyone, and serving it is a collective responsibility.

How Did We Begin? – The Founding Story

Why haven't we heard from you before?

Because the team is small and resources are limited, and this is our first public invitation to you.

Do you represent all segments of Syrian society?

No, and we acknowledge that. This is simply a founding platform, not yet a representative body.

Is there any external support? A political entity?

No. The project is entirely voluntary, with no funding or affiliation to any party.

Is the system and structure final?

No, it is entirely subject to change through the upcoming general assembly.

Can I participate?

Yes! You can join, run for office, volunteer, or simply offer your opinion and suggestions.

Who decides the future of this platform?

You do, through the general assembly, which will convene once we reach 1,000 members.

Your Questions – We Will Answer Them Transparently

We are officially opening membership and nominations, and we look forward to your participation.

Once we reach 1,000 members, we will hold our first general assembly and conduct elections to choose your leader.

The Next Step Is In Your Hands.

Important Links

We urge you to read it carefully, as it is the true reference for ensuring transparency, the rotation of power, and representation for all.

We are human beings who have strived, made mistakes, and achieved successes. But we have worked honestly and have not claimed what is not ours.

We place this project in your hands. You can either embrace and develop it, or you can modify and rebuild it. The responsibility today rests with you.

What we started with sincerity, we will complete with transparency with you.

The community platform does not belong to anyone… it belongs to everyone who dreams of a better tomorrow.

Syrian Community In The Netherlands