In a poignant meeting, Debra Tice, mother of Austin Tice, whose fate has remained uncertain since his abduction in Syria, expressed hopeful sentiments after speaking with the new leader of a rebel group that overthrew Bashar al-Assad.
Mother of Missing Journalist Appeals to Syria's New Leadership for Assistance
Mother of Missing Journalist Appeals to Syria's New Leadership for Assistance
Debra Tice seeks help from the newly established regime to find her son, missing since 2012.
Debra Tice, the mother of Austin Tice—a journalist abducted in Syria in 2012—met with Ahmed al-Shara, the new leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, in Damascus on Monday. Following the sudden regime change after al-Assad’s ousting, Tice conveyed a renewed optimism regarding her long search for her son, hopeful that the new leadership would provide assistance in locating him.
During a news conference in the capital, Tice reflected on the long struggle of families like hers who continue to seek missing loved ones, stating, “It was so wonderful to learn that they are dedicated and determined to bring home my son and your sons.” Although there was no concrete information about Austin's fate, Tice noted the challenges of deciphering the situation amidst the political upheaval in Syria, saying, “It’s like starting all over again.”
Despite the turbulent transition of power and the consequent confusion, Tice remains resolute in her belief that the new leaders understand the pain of families searching for answers. Her meeting with al-Shara, shared in images by the state news agency, has become a symbol of hope for those yearning to reunite with missing family members.
