Protests broke out in Christian neighborhoods of Damascus after an unsettling incident in the town of Suqaylabiyah. On Monday evening, unidentified individuals set fire to a publicly displayed Christmas tree in this Christian-majority town near Hama. A video of the incident circulated online, sparking outrage. The footage also showed a rebel standing with Christian priests, vowing to punish those responsible and restore the tree by morning.
The incident comes during a period of heightened tension in Syria, with Christians now celebrating Christmas amidst fear and uncertainty following the successful campaign by opposition rebels to topple President Bashar al-Assad. This development has left Syria’s Christian communities, along with those in Lebanon and Palestine, concerned about their safety and future in the region.
In Damascus, protesters marched to local churches, demanding better protection for Christians. George, a 24-year-old Catholic resident of Damascus, shared his concerns about the ongoing lack of security measures. Under Assad’s regime, Christians were allowed to celebrate their religious holidays, albeit with restrictions on freedoms like political activity and free speech.
Now, the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Ahmad al-Sharaa—formerly associated with al-Qaeda—controls much of Syria. While al-Sharaa has pledged to protect minorities, there have been no specific assurances for Christians during the Christmas season. Although HTS declared public holidays for Christmas, the lack of organized security has led to widespread fear among Christians of potential attacks by rogue armed groups.
Residents in Christian neighborhoods of Damascus have put up festive decorations but are scaling back celebrations due to the absence of clear security measures. “If there were proper announcements about security, it would make a big difference,” George stated. Hilda Haskour, a Syriac Catholic from Aleppo, echoed similar sentiments, saying that while they wish for peace and safety, fear persists.
In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, Christmas celebrations have been subdued for the second year in a row due to ongoing conflict. The city has been isolated as a result of the Gaza war, with restrictions on tourism and an economic freeze leaving many in poverty. Bethlehem Mayor Anton Salman highlighted the severe impact of these restrictions, stating that celebrations this year will focus on prayers and solidarity with Palestinians facing oppression.
The ongoing Gaza conflict has also left a devastating toll, with over 45,000 lives lost and widespread destruction. Churches in Gaza have been targeted, and many Christians now find themselves displaced. Despite the challenges, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Catholic Bishop of Jerusalem, sought to uplift spirits, urging worshipers to rebuild with resilience.
In neighboring Lebanon, Christians are preparing for Christmas with more enthusiasm. Decorations fill Christian parts of Beirut, and families are reuniting despite the aftermath of recent conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel. However, the toll of years of war and political instability weighs heavily on the population. Tony Batte, a resident of Beirut, expressed the shared fatigue of Lebanese citizens, who yearn for stability after enduring decades of infighting and external influences.
As Christmas approaches, Christians in Syria and the region continue to celebrate cautiously, holding onto hope for peace and unity amid uncertainty.
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