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11/11/2010 - Issue 45
Alaa Zaybak: A Syrian brave heart
Young down syndrome superstar of "Waraa al-Shams" Alaa Zaybak has proved to the whole world that with a strong spirit, fierce intellect and a cheeky sense of humor, you can achieve all your dreams. Syria Forward sat down over a coffee with the man of the moment.
Alaa Zaybak seems to bring a breath of with him as he enters the Mezze café in Damascus – shooting smiles at everyone in the room.
He's listening to his Tamer Hosni's recent hit "Noor Eini" which he has downloaded on to his cellphone.
As we settle down over our coffees, he flicks through the pages of the most recent issue of Forward magazine and with no hint of arrogance, exclaims "Look! This is me!"
Proving disability is no obstacle to success, Alaa was already a household name after his memorable performances as 'Alaa' in the hard-hitting television series "Ma Waraa Al-Shams," which focused on the problems people with disabilities face in Syria. But he cemented his fame when he made an unforgettable and heartwarming appearance at the September Special Olympics.
A professional Olympic swimmer, he has participated in many special national and international swimming competitions, and won gold for Syria in the regional Special Olympics event. As if that's not enough, Ala'a coached young children keen to learn to swim and counts horse riding and hockey amongst his other sporting interests.
With over 500 fans on his popular facebook page, Alaa responds personally to messages of well wishes and encouragement. He is keen to educate others on the damaging stereotypes of those with disabilities.
"Don't use the word 'retard'," he writes on one page, "It's much better to say 'people with special needs'."
Despite obvious trouble speaking, Alaa is full of surprises. Pointing to a picture of Lebanon's General Michel Oun, he displayed a shrewd interest in politics.
"This guy is pro-Syrian policy in Lebanon," he said, before moving to another picture of Hezbollah's Al-Sayed Hasan Nasrallah.
"I love Al-Sayed Hasan Nasrallah and Dr Bashar… they both love their countries," he said
"I watch the news daily."
In the evenings, Alaa loves spending time in his father's shop to chat with some of the customers about football.
"I'm a big fan of Real Madrid football club," he revealed, challenging the interviewer to a match.
"You should worry," he jokes, "I'm a very good football player."
Alaa said he is lucky he has received special care from his family and his country to help him overcome his disability. Never far from his side is his dedicated sister and carer, ... who he counts as a personal hero.
"It's allowed me to play an effective role in society," he said.
Let's hope that everyone with disability can receive such care and understanding, and gradually be recognized as normal people with potential, not liability
Five minutes with Alaa Zaybak
Did you face any difficulties as an actor?
Acting is a hard job because it requires training and commitment and everyone who wants to be a successful actor needs to use enormous efforts.
How did your lifestyle change after becoming an actor?
Now I'm famous and everybody in the street smiles at me and that makes me feel good. I wouldn't mind acting in another television series.
What are your plans in the meantime?
I have a lot of plans because I like to stay busy but I would like to help my swimming coach to help teach other kids how to swim. In the meantime I like to go to my father's shop in the evenings to chat with the customers.
Who is your favourite personality in Syria?
I really like President Bashar al-Assad because he really loves his country.
What are your dreams?
To visit France and marry a girl I love. I once had a dream of being in love with a girl and I took her to the beach and we swam together.
Dudi :
really alaa you are an amazing actor...