October Liberation Day in Syria
October Liberation Day is a national holiday observed annually in Syria on October 6th, commemorating the beginning of the October War against Israel in 1973. During this war, also known as the Yom Kippur War, Syria supported an Egyptian attack on Israel to retake control of the Sinai territory.
Syria (Public holiday)The conflict eventually led to talks that liberated the Sinai Peninsula. Today, this day is a holiday that memorializes the Syrian lives lost during this conflict and is observed as a public holiday.
The History of October Liberation Day in Syria
In June 1967, Egypt lost control of the Sinai Peninsula during the Six-Day War. To regain control of the region, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat decided to carry out a surprise attack on October 6th, 1973.
This military action, supported by Syria, was initially successful when over 80,000 Egyptian forces breached Israeli fortifications on the Peninsula. However, the Egyptians were forced to retreat two days later by a counteroffensive and were eventually surrounded by Israeli forces.
The war ended with a ceasefire brokered by the U.S. The conflict led to talks organized by U.S. President Jimmy Carter at Camp David, which directly resulted in the Israeli-Egyptian Peace Agreement of 1979, returning the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.
Observing October Liberation Day in Syria
This holiday is observed with special events across the country, particularly in the capital city of Damascus. This includes historical and military events, cultural events, and other activities.
It is a public holiday that provides a day off for the general public and is a day when many businesses, schools, and non-essential government offices close. Because Syrians have time off on this holiday, it is the perfect day to spend time with loved ones.
Syria (Public holiday)
