Syrian Christians celebrate their first Christmas since Assad’s fall, but face an uncertain future under new Islamist leadership.
Could we be set to take in millions of Syrian Christian refugees?
At a Glance
- Christians in Syria openly celebrated Christmas for the first time since Assad’s ouster
- A Christmas tree burning incident in Al-Suqaylabiyah sparked protests
- The new government, led by a former Al Qaeda figure, promises to protect Christians
- Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now governs, pledging to uphold minority rights
- Uncertainty and skepticism remain about the future of religious freedoms
A New Era of Celebration and Caution
In a significant shift from previous years, Syrian Christians gathered to celebrate Christmas Eve services following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Lady of Damascus Church was filled with worshippers, symbolizing the resilience of the Christian community after years of conflict. However, this newfound freedom to express faith comes with a mix of optimism and caution, as the political landscape remains volatile.
The celebration of Christmas, now declared a public holiday by Syria’s new government, marks a stark contrast to the restrictions imposed under the Assad regime. Yet, the sustainability of this practice is in question due to the nature of the new leadership.
Tensions Rise as Christmas Tree Burns
The burning of a Christmas tree in Al-Suqaylabiyah by Islamist groups ignited protests across Syria. Thousands of Christians, supported by the Druze community, took to the streets to demand their rights and denounce attacks on churches. The incident highlighted the fragile state of religious tolerance in the country.
“We are protesting to demand our rights and denounce the burning of the Christmas tree, and attacks on churches. We do not accept this,” Laila Farkouh said.
Demonstrators chanted slogans of solidarity, emphasizing their commitment to their faith and heritage. The protests not only reflected the Christian community’s determination to preserve their traditions but also showcased the support from other minority groups, particularly the Druze.
New Government’s Promises and Skepticism
The current Syrian government, led by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, a former Al Qaeda figure, has pledged to protect Christians and uphold religious minority rights. Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now in control, is attempting to reshape its image from a radical Islamist group to a governing body that accepts diversity. However, these assurances are met with skepticism from the Christian community and international observers.
The U.S. State Department and other international bodies are closely monitoring HTS’s handling of minority rights. The group’s response to incidents like the Christmas tree burning, which included detaining the perpetrators and promising to replace the tree, is seen as a test of their commitment to religious freedom.
Uncertain Future for Syrian Christians
As Syria enters this new phase, its Christian community finds itself at a crossroads. The freedom to celebrate Christmas openly brings joy, but it is tempered by the reality of rising tensions and political uncertainty. Christians face significant risks from both the Syrian National Army (SNA) and HTS, threatening their safety and cultural heritage.
The situation in Syria is precarious – but at this rate, the U.S. could be on track to be pressured into taking huge numbers of refugees. But should we?
