As the festive season approaches, Syria’s Christian community finds itself grappling with a profound sense of fear and uncertainty under the new Islamist-led government. Despite reassurances from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction now in control, Syrian church leaders have urged their followers to scale back Christmas celebrations. The muted festivities reflect a deep mistrust built over decades of authoritarian rule, a brutal civil war, and ongoing sectarian tensions.
Promises of Safety Amid Lingering Fear
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of HTS and a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has sought to allay fears by pledging protection for religious minorities. Sharaa, once a jihadist leader, now presents himself in a suit and speaks of civil governance and reconciliation. He has assured Christians and other groups that they are safe in a Syria governed by HTS. Furthermore, he has conveyed to visiting Western officials that HTS will not pursue vengeance against the former regime nor suppress minorities such as Christians, Shi’ites, Druze, and Kurds.
However, these words ring hollow for many Christians. Incidents of violence and intimidation have shaken the fragile trust that Sharaa’s government is trying to build. On December 18, unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, vandalizing graves and attempting to destroy a cross. Although the perpetrators were reportedly apprehended by local police, the attack has left lasting scars.
In Damascus, SUVs blasted jihadist songs through the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma, further unnerving residents. A chilling image circulated on social media showed an armored vehicle with the ominous message, “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross.” Such provocations reinforce the sense of unease and skepticism among Christians who have endured years of persecution.
A Community on Edge
Christian leaders like Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church acknowledge the challenges of fostering trust. While Bahhi commended HTS for swiftly responding to incidents of intimidation and vandalism, he emphasized the importance of actions over promises. “The community is watching to see if the groups currently in power are genuinely committed to establishing a civil society that offers equal opportunities for all,” he said.
Despite these reassurances, many Christian families remain on edge. Bahhi has advised his congregation to adopt a lower profile this Christmas, suggesting modest dress for women, keeping Christmas decorations inside church premises, and avoiding public celebrations like distributing sweets on the streets. The sight of armed men patrolling the streets of Damascus, many with long beards, serves as a constant reminder of Syria’s tumultuous past and the uncertain future.
Trauma Runs Deep Among Christians
The mistrust of HTS is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of individuals like Emilia Katarina, a Christian widow who lost her eldest son and husband during the civil war. Her son, Firas Azar, disappeared in 2012 after being detained by the Assad regime, and two years later, her husband was killed when a rebel shell struck their home.
“Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” she said, clutching a photograph of her son. Sitting beside a portrait of her late husband wrapped in the Syrian flag, Emilia admitted that years of loss and violence have made it hard to believe in the promises of the new rulers. Her daughter echoed the sentiment, adding, “The ideology does not change in an hour. We are afraid of this ideology.”
Emilia’s story is not unique. Many Christians in Syria have endured similar losses and trauma, leaving them skeptical of the assurances from HTS leaders. For them, the scars of war serve as a constant reminder of the fragile nature of peace in Syria.
Hope Amid Uncertainty
Shortly after the fall of the Assad regime, an HTS representative met with Bishop Bahhi and other Christian leaders, urging them not to fear. However, Bahhi remains cautious. “How truthful and serious he is? We don’t know,” he said. His words encapsulate the uncertainty faced by Syria’s Christians, who must navigate a complex web of Islamist groups, each with its own agenda.
Even if trust is eventually built with HTS, the presence of other armed Islamist factions further complicates the situation. Many Christians worry that even if one group honors its promises, others may not. This uncertainty adds to the already precarious position of Syria’s religious minorities.
The Road Ahead for Syria’s Christians
Syria has long been a mosaic of ethnic and religious communities, including Syriac, Greek, and Armenian Orthodox Christians, Druze, Kurds, and Shi’ites. The civil war deepened the divisions among these groups, leaving many fearing that any form of Sunni Islamist rule would threaten their way of life.
For now, Christian leaders are focused on preserving their faith and culture in a rapidly changing political landscape. Bishop Bahhi delivered a sermon at St. George’s Church, urging his congregation to maintain their faith in challenging times. As he spoke, tears streamed down Emilia’s face. Rising from her seat, she lit a candle and softly whispered a prayer: “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son.”
While HTS has taken steps to address incidents of violence and intimidation, the path to rebuilding trust among Syria’s Christian community is fraught with challenges. Actions, not words, will determine whether the new leadership can genuinely protect the rights and freedoms of all Syrians.
For now, the wounds of war remain fresh, and the shadow of fear looms large over a Christmas season unlike any other.
