Christmas in Syria: Hope for unity after the Assad crash!

Christmas in Syria: Hope for unity after the Assad crash!

On December 25, 2024, Christians in Syria celebrated Christmas under special security precautions after the long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8th by a rebel alliance. For many, the return of the Christmas celebrations was a symbol of hope for a new era. "We hope that today is the day of redemption from the era of the injustices of the Assad family," said Nicola Jazgi, who took part in a Christmas fair in Damascus. A report by Nachrichten.at , all ethnic groups in Syria are to be respected and their security is guaranteed. The encouragement to this new leadership gives people hope that they can live peacefully in a pluralistic society. While Christians and Muslims against the attack on the Christmas tree showed solidarity in Damascus and other cities, many expressed that they feel a feeling of relief despite the current uncertainties.

The Christian community expresses mixed feelings about the future, but some residents report positive changes. A Christian representative from Damascus noticed that no reprisals had previously occurred against minorities. Nevertheless, the fear of potential attacks remains present at many. "We have the right to be afraid," said Priest Andrew Bahi and emphasized the ambivalent situation in which many Christians are currently.