Syria’s Christian community marks the 10th anniversary of the horrific IS attack that devastated their villages and led many to flee the country. With new political changes following the ousting of President Bashar Assad, concerns for their safety and future persist. Despite challenges, some Christians remain committed to preserving their heritage and community within Syria.
The Christian community in Syria reflects on a decade since a devastating attack by the Islamic State group, which destroyed the Saint Odisho church in Tel Tal and drove away many residents. Ishaq Nissan, a local Christian who survived the attack, described the exodus of families to countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and European nations. This month marks the 10th anniversary of the assault on over 30 villages along the Khabur River, during which many were killed or displaced.
In the wake of the Islamic State’s defeat in 2019, Christians express concerns about their future in Syria following recent political changes. The ousting of longtime President Bashar Assad has led to a new interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Although al-Sharaa asserts that religious rights will be upheld, persistent attacks against Christians indicate ongoing risks.
Archbishop Maurice Amsih advocates for cooperation among Syria’s diverse communities to secure rights for all. He expressed a desire for Christians to be treated with civility, emphasizing the importance of religious freedoms. Despite some isolated incidents of violence against Christians, Western nations are urging the new Syrian authorities to ensure the protection of ethnic and religious minorities.
Historically, Christians constituted about 10% of Syria’s population prior to the war, coexisting with a Muslim majority. The civil war, which began in 2011, has resulted in a significant decline in the Christian population, many of whom fled as violence escalated. Elias Antar Elias, a representative of the Khabur area, recalled witnessing gruesome violence and noted that only a fraction of pre-war residents remain in Tel Tal.
The archbishop mentioned that, before the 2015 attack, around 45,000 Assyrians resided in 34 Christian villages along the Khabur. Currently, the numbers have dwindled significantly, with many villages uninhabited or filled with displaced individuals. Despite the challenges, some Christians, such as Janet Chamoun, have chosen to remain in Syria out of love for their homeland and are committed to preserving their faith and community.
Through resilience, the Christian population in Syria strives to navigate a complex and uncertain future while striving for coexistence within their historically rich homeland.
The 10th anniversary of the Islamic State attack on Syrian Christians highlights the struggles faced by this community over the past decade. Although some have fled, many remain committed to their homeland, hoping for better protection of their rights in the future. The ongoing narrative reflects both historical ties and contemporary challenges, as Christians advocate for coexistence amidst uncertainty.
Original Source: www.texarkanagazette.com
