Muhammad Zkour, a Syrian citizen, spent 12 years hiding in a small space behind his home's wall in the city of Latakia. His ordeal began after being arrested and tortured by the Syrian regime's forces in the early days of the Syrian uprising. Fearing a return to prison, Zkour created a hiding place within his own home, where he lived in cramped conditions, surviving on minimal food and water, and interacting with his family only through a small opening.
Zkour's decision to hide was motivated by his experiences in prison, where he witnessed the deaths of fellow detainees and was subjected to torture. After his release, he went into hiding, moving between the homes of friends and acquaintances, until he finally resorted to creating a secret space within his own home. His wife, Wafiya Masri, was the only one who knew of his whereabouts and kept his secret, telling their children and others that he had passed away.
Life in the hiding place was extremely difficult, with Zkour describing it as filled with illness, depression, and loneliness. He spent most of his time sleeping, praying, and reciting the Quran, with food and supplies passed to him through a small opening in the wall. His wife managed the household and cared for their children, while keeping her husband's secret safe.
The secrecy surrounding Zkour's hiding place was so effective that his own brother, living in Turkey, held a memorial service for him in 2013, believing him to be deceased. Meanwhile, Zkour's wife continued to live with their children, working to provide for them while keeping her husband's presence a secret.
On December 8, 2024, at around 4:00 am, Zkour heard the sound of celebratory chanting outside, and his wife informed him that the Assad regime had fallen. This marked the end of his 12-year hiding period, and he emerged from his secret space to reunite with his children, who were shocked to discover that their father, whom they believed had died, was alive.
Zkour's reunion with his children was bittersweet, as he reflected on the years he had lost while in hiding. He expressed sadness at having missed out on his children's growth and not being able to live a normal life. However, he was grateful to have escaped the fear of arrest and torture and was determined to start anew with his family.
Zkour's story serves as a personal testament to the fear and persecution experienced by many Syrians during the country's civil war. His experience highlights the difficult choices faced by those trying to survive under oppressive regimes and the resilience of those who manage to endure despite overwhelming challenges.
Key points
- Muhammad Zkour spent 12 years hiding in a small space behind his home's wall, fearing arrest and torture by the Assad regime.
- Zkour's wife kept his secret, telling their children and others that he had passed away, while managing the household and caring for their children.
- Zkour emerged from his hiding place on December 8, 2024, after hearing that the Assad regime had fallen, and reunited with his children.
