As Christmas approaches, Syria’s Christian community faces an uneasy holiday season amid fears over the intentions of the new Islamist rulers. Church leaders have urged a subdued celebration, reflecting deep concerns about trust and safety in the aftermath of decades of dictatorship and civil war.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate, has assured minorities, including Christians, of their safety under HTS rule. Sharaa, now presenting himself as a reformer in business suits, claims the group seeks neither revenge nor repression. Yet, incidents like an attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Hama and ominous displays of jihadist slogans in Christian neighborhoods have stoked fear.
Christian Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church acknowledged HTS’s swift response to recent incidents, including arresting vandals and forcing apologies. However, he emphasized that the Christian community remains wary, closely monitoring HTS’s commitment to fostering a civil society.
For many, including families like Emilia Katarina’s, who suffered tragic losses during the war, the scars of conflict run deep. Amidst the unease, Katarina lit a candle at St. George’s Church, praying for the safe return of her son, missing for over a decade. “Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” she said, encapsulating the collective anxiety of a community longing for peace and security.
