Influencer Salma Naddaf leaves Denmark and returns to Syria with her children – in protest against Western values and pride symbols in schools.
©CANVA/Screenshot Instagram
She was one of Denmark’s biggest social media stars – now Salma Naddaf has surprisingly left Europe. The decision was not easy for her. What lies behind it causes debate.
Salma Naddaf was one of Denmark’s most famous TikTokers – now she has left the country. The 36-year-old returned to Syria with her children. Her reason: She can no longer identify with the social developments in her adopted homeland. The rainbow flags at her children’s school in particular made the difference for her.
“My children should not grow up in a place whose customs and customs do not correspond to ours,” explained Naddaf.
Millions of viewers on TikTok
With over ten million followers, Naddaf is one of Denmark’s most famous social media voices. Around three million users follow her on TikTok alone. According to the HypeAuditor platform, it operates the channel with the highest reach in the country.
Around five years ago, she began publishing videos in Arabic with her children – initially with craft ideas, later with tips for home decoration and simple DIY projects.
“Couldn’t accept this environment any longer”
A few days ago, Naddaf announced her departure from Europe in a video on Instagram. She spoke of a “deep conflict of values” that had motivated her to take this step. She cited the hoisting of rainbow flags at her children’s schools as a specific trigger.
She criticized the fact that gender identity in Europe is no longer treated as a personal choice, but as something imposed and taught.
Saying goodbye to Denmark was difficult for her, she emphasized in the clip: “Saying goodbye to the people with whom I shared eleven years of my life was very difficult.” However, she “simply could no longer accept” an environment with Pride flags for her children.
Looking back with mixed feelings
Naddaf is from Syria and fled to Denmark during the civil war, according to Swedish newspaper Expressen. In her farewell video, she was grateful for her time in Europe. She learned a lot – for example, how to treat people with tolerance, regardless of their origin or religion.
Returning to Syria was still “the right decision for my children,” Naddaf concluded.
