During a fundraising campaign launched yesterday evening in Idlib, titled “Loyalty to Idlib Campaign,” Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa spoke about the city’s significance in his heart.

He said at the beginning of his speech: “I arrived in Damascus yesterday, and it is the most beloved place on earth to my heart

But he quickly added, “Idlib is love,” to loud applause and cheers.

It is well known that Al-Sharaa spent most of the years of war and fighting against the former regime in Idlib Governorate, northwest Syria. Many of his companions are still from Idlib today.

The event, which raised millions of dollars to rebuild the governorate, also featured some funny moments.

During the ceremony, one of the participants appeared on stage and said, “I can’t continue. The president is here.” Al-Sharaa jokingly replied, “Do you want me to leave

Al-Sharaa spent a politically and diplomatically busy period in New York, where he attended the UN General Assembly meetings, met with delegations from the Syrian community, and held press conferences.

He also delivered his country’s speech as the first Syrian president to ascend the United Nations podium since 1967