Greece (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Syria’s transitional government plans to initiate a national dialogue aimed at representing the aspirations of all its citizens, including religious minorities. However, Syrian Christians are concerned about whether the evolving political environment will guarantee their inclusion and safeguard their religious practices.
Nevertheless, three events recorded by Reuters have already been noted by the international community, the Patriarchates in Antakya and Istanbul. The burning of a Christmas tree was among several incidents aimed at Christians following the regime’s collapse. On December 18, unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, firing shots, attempting to demolish a cross, and vandalizing headstones in the church cemetery, according to a church statement. In a separate event, Reuters journalists witnessed SUVs driving through Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian area in Damascus, playing jihadist songs loudly through their speakers.
But who can guarantee the safety of these populations when they have already gone through so many trials. Turkey has focused on the Turkomans and the ongoing war against the Kurds. On the other hand, the government is directed towards the Alawites, the Bedouins and also the Shiites, who can immediately be a problem.
A Promise Given
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader, has assured Christians and other communities of their safety under his group, HTS, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda. Once a leader of the Sunni Islamist group that views Christians as infidels, Sharaa has recently adopted a more moderate image, appearing in business suits instead of his jihadist attire. He has also told Western officials that HTS will not pursue retaliation against the former Assad regime, which was predominantly led by Alawites, nor will it oppress other religious minorities.
Another promise, older chronologically, was made by the then President Trump, for the protection of the Christian populations of Syria, recognizing the trials and problems they experienced. Back in 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized prioritizing Syrian Christians for refugee status in the United States, highlighting the severe hardships they faced. He explained that Christians in Syria had been “horribly treated” and described the difficulties they encountered when trying to seek refuge in America.
Trump remarked, “If you were a Christian in Syria, it was impossible, very, very tough to get into the United States,” emphasizing the disparity in treatment compared to Muslim refugees, who, according to him, faced fewer obstacles. He elaborated further, pointing out the injustices and the extent of persecution Christians endured, saying, “The reason that was so unfair, everybody was persecuted in all fairness, but they were chopping off the heads of everybody, but more so the Christians.” Trump’s statements underscored his belief that the persecution of Christians was particularly severe and required immediate attention. However, as his term ended, questions arose about whether the next U.S. president would continue this approach, displaying the same sensitivity and commitment to protecting vulnerable religious minorities like Syrian Christians. The future of America’s refugee policies remains to be seen, especially regarding international efforts to safeguard these groups from persecution.
Uncertain Christmas and Future
Syria is among the earliest regions in the world to have established a Christian community, with its roots mentioned in the Book of Acts and St. Paul’s renowned conversion on the road to Damascus. Prior to the Syrian Civil War, the country was home to approximately 1.5 million Christians, accounting for around 10% of the population. However, their numbers have reportedly declined significantly in recent years, though the exact figures remain uncertain. Estimates suggest that the Christian population in Syria may now be as low as 300,000. The majority of Christians reside in and around major cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Latakia, as well as in the Hasaka governorate.
In the Christian neighbourhoods of Damascus, the streets are adorned with Christmas trees and other festive decorations, signalling the arrival of the holiday season. However, this year’s celebrations are noticeably more subdued as many residents opt for smaller, quieter gatherings. The cautious mood stems from a sense of uncertainty and unease, with people imposing their own limitations on festivities despite the absence of official restrictions from Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS).
While HTS, the Islamist group now exerting significant influence, has not issued any formal directives to halt Christmas celebrations, fear still lingers among the Christian community. Many are reluctant to venture out, worried about potential attacks from rogue armed individuals who might exploit the fragile situation. This apprehension casts a shadow over the assurances given by Islamist rebels when they first gained control of parts of Syria. At the time, Christians were promised that their churches and properties would be respected and protected under the new regime.
The shift in governance has been a stark contrast to life under Bashar al-Assad’s regime, where Christians, though subjected to the same authoritarian restrictions as other Syrians, were permitted to freely observe their religious holidays and rituals. Under Assad, Christmas celebrations and other Christian traditions were generally tolerated, but the freedoms of expression and political activity were severely curtailed for all citizens. Now, in the post-Assad era, Christians find themselves in an uncertain and precarious position.
While there is no explicit prohibition against their practices, the absence of clear communication from HTS, coupled with a volatile security environment, has created an atmosphere of fear and hesitation. Many are left wondering whether the promises of protection will hold or whether they will face renewed threats to their safety and religious freedoms. This tension has added a somber tone to what is traditionally a season of joy and unity, as Christians navigate the complexities of celebrating their faith amidst a shifting and unpredictable political landscape.
Dear reader,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. We remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.
