Syrian artist Assala Nasri performed a concert in the capital, Damascus, her first in about 15 years. The concert resonated widely with the public and official authorities, who honored the renowned singer at the level of Syria and the Arab region. The Al-Souriya satellite channel broadcast the events of the concert, titled "The Return of Authenticity," live. Assala chose to begin her first set with the song "Syria is Paradise," with lyrics by Batoul Zeidan and Yara Ahmed, and composition by Ali Hassoun, before proceeding to present a wide range of her work over two sets, each lasting approximately two hours. During the concert, Assala addressed her audience with words full of emotion, saying that until this moment she cannot comprehend that she is standing among them, and that she has long dreamed of this encounter, hoping it would come at a time when all Syrians have begun "the healing phase." She added that "healing" differs from one person to another, but in her view, it is only complete through art, music, and respect for them.