Lebanon – Masdar Diplomacy, January 20, 2025
Debra Tice, the mother of the American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, held a press conference today, Monday, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, organized by Nizar Zakka, President of Hostage Aid Worldwide. During the conference, Mrs. Tice spoke about her ongoing efforts to find her son, Austin Tice, who disappeared while covering events in Syria.
Tice began by saying, “I have returned to Damascus for the first time in about 10 years, trying to find my son, Austin. It’s been over 12 years now. I haven’t been able to see or speak to him since then, but I know he is here.” She then addressed her son directly, saying, “Austin, if you can hear this somehow, I love you. I know you won’t give up, and I won’t give up either.”
She continued, “Many people are praying for the day you will be released. During my time here in Damascus, it has been an honor to meet with the new leadership in Syria.”
Reflecting on her recent visit, Mrs. Tice said, “Yesterday, I was able to visit the famous military intelligence prisons 248 and 215. Nizar Zakka took me there. I can barely describe what I felt during that experience. It was beyond anything I could have imagined. The images were unimaginable, horrific, terrifying, a nightmare.”
Debra then addressed the mothers who have lost their sons in the prisons, saying, “To all the mothers whose children have disappeared in these prisons, our hearts are united. To everyone searching for answers about their family members, I am here with you in solidarity. We share the hope that our families will be reunited.”
She also commented on the political developments in the United States, saying, “Today, January 20, President Donald Trump will take the oath of office, and we will turn a page. I have great hope that the Trump administration will seriously engage in efforts to bring Austin home. I look forward to working closely with his new team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Presidential Envoy Adam Boehler. Just as we stand together in this room, Syria too is beginning a new chapter and working toward a brighter future. I pray every day that God gives us all the strength to protect our hearts from bitterness and anger while we continue to hope for the reunification of our families.”
Mrs. Tice also spoke about her recent meeting with Mr. al-Sharaa, who was involved in humanitarian discussions regarding Syria. She said, “One of the things we discussed with Mr. al-Sharaa was his own imprisonment. Not in Syria. He wants to work for all families so they can be reunited in one way or another.”
She added, “I am very excited to work with the Trump administration team, especially since they have already reached out to me. I haven’t experienced that in the past four years, but I am optimistic about their help and involvement. I believe they will act quickly.”
At the end of the conference, she touched on the regional situation, saying, “I believe we are turning a page in the United States, in Syria, and in Lebanon. They have a new president. I truly think it’s wise for us to have high hopes and believe that we will be able to communicate, and that they will want to help us reunite our families.”
