There were celebrations in New Jersey on Sunday, as Syrian-born residents gathered in Wayne to mark the news that President Bashar al-Assad had fled Syria after rebels overthrew the government there.

Many, like Mohammad Hlal, who owns Reem Alsham restaurant in Paterson, fled Syria when Assad took power, following nearly 30 years of his father’s rule. In 2011, the country devolved into a brutal civil war that has claimed the lives of nearly a half million people.

Tears were shed Sunday, with people crying in happiness.

“They [the Assad regime] controlled Syria for fifty years. Syria starts [to] be very dangerous. The check points are anywhere. They take the people to the jail without reason. Maybe that police officer, he looks to that man, doesn’t like him, he goes to jail for no reason. That’s why I don’t feel safe for my life, my family. That’s why we went to Jordan, stay there for six years, then immigration call me if I would like to come to America,” Hlal said.

Muhammad Al-Khawald followed a similar path, fleeing to Jordan before coming to America to open his own restaurant. “Right now, my feeling is perfect. I’m waiting for this feeling for 15 years,” said Al-Khawald.

There’s no certainty as to what kind of government will replace the Assad regime, but people in the Syrian community are hopeful.

“At least that killer is done. And his regime is done,” said Hassan Zeidan, a resident of Paterson.

“I want honest government. Respect the people rights, human rights. I hope to see Syria great and wonderful again, and the people live altogether in real peace. And that will happen. That will happen,” Hlal said.