“Are you the driver?” – Widespread solidarity with a Syrian pilot after a video posted by content creator Sarmad

Jordanian content creator Yazan Abu Ajwa sparked outrage on social media after asking the pilot of the helicopter that transported him during events organized by the Syrian Ministry of Defense as part of the Damascus International Fair: “Are you the driver?”

The remark drew widespread reactions from followers, ranging from strong condemnation to those who defended him, arguing that the incident did not warrant such uproar and backlash.

In a video, the influencer apologized to the pilot and to the Syrian people, saying: “I apologize. We all make mistakes. Yes, I am a content creator, but ultimately I am human, and humans err. The wise one is the one who apologizes when he realizes he is wrong.”

He added: “I apologize to everyone, and specifically to the pilot officer. I apologize,” emphasizing that “the words came out spontaneously, without any phrasing or intent. Even when I uttered the word, I wrote: ‘By God, it was a mistake,’ so that it would not be understood in that way.”

He continued: “But there are people trying to sabotage our relations, and they will not succeed. I and the Syrians are of one heart, is that not true?” He went on to say: “I travel a lot, and throughout my life I have often said, ‘What is this plane?’ It is a phrase commonly on my lips.”