As Christmas approaches, Syria’s Christian community is grappling with deep fear and uncertainty under the new leadership of Islamist rulers. Despite assurances of safety and religious freedom from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate now leading the country, trust remains elusive among the scarred religious minority. Church leaders have called for subdued Christmas celebrations, urging congregants to avoid public displays of festivity in light of the lingering tensions and fears.
The self-imposed restrictions reflect a broader challenge facing Syria’s new leadership: building trust among the country’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, all of whom have endured decades of brutal dictatorship and a devastating 13-year civil war. The task of fostering coexistence in this deeply fractured society is monumental, especially for leaders with roots in jihadist movements.
Promises of Protection from a Former Jihadist Leader
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto ruler of HTS, has worked to distance himself from his group’s extremist past. Once a leader in the Sunni Muslim Islamist movement, Sharaa now presents himself in business suits rather than military fatigues. He has assured Christians and other minorities that they will be safe under HTS governance and pledged not to seek vengeance against the former regime of Bashar al-Assad, which was largely supported by the Alawite sect. Moreover, he promised not to oppress any other religious communities.
However, these assurances have done little to comfort Christians who view the HTS leadership with deep suspicion. Many fear that the group’s ideological shift is superficial, and the scars of past persecution weigh heavily on their collective psyche.
Rising Tensions and Acts of Intimidation
Incidents of violence and intimidation have only heightened the community’s fears. On December 18, unidentified gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Hama, vandalizing the compound, attempting to destroy a cross, and desecrating graves in the church cemetery. Though HTS authorities acted swiftly, arresting the suspects, the incident underscored the precarious situation for Christians under the new regime.
In Damascus, residents of Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian neighborhood, reported SUVs driving through the streets while blasting jihadist songs. A photo circulated online showed an armored vehicle with a chilling message written on its windshield: “Your day is coming, Oh worshippers of the cross.”
Such acts have sown fear and uncertainty among Christians. Bishop Andrew Bahhi of St. George’s Syriac Orthodox Church expressed concern over these events but acknowledged that HTS authorities responded promptly, forcing the vehicle’s driver to remove the threatening message and apologize. “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,” Bahhi remarked.
Enduring Trauma and Distrust
For many Christians, the fear is not just about HTS but also the broader mosaic of armed Islamist militant groups that remain active across the country. Years of persecution and war have left deep psychological wounds, making it hard to trust any leadership, especially one with ties to extremism.
The plight of Christians like Emilia Katarina highlights the community’s suffering. Emilia lost her son, Firas, during the civil war when he was detained by Assad’s forces in 2012. Two years later, her husband was killed, and her daughter was injured when rebel shelling struck their home. Emilia now lives in constant fear, her trauma compounded by the uncertainty of Syria’s future under Islamist rule.
“Whenever I hear a sound at night, I jump. Fear is deeply ingrained in us,” Emilia said, clutching a photograph of her missing son. Her daughter echoed the sentiment, saying, “The ideology does not change in an hour. We are afraid of this ideology.”
A Struggle to Reassure
HTS representatives have met with Christian leaders, urging them not to fear the new regime. Bishop Bahhi recalled a meeting shortly after Assad’s fall, where an HTS official promised that Christians would not face persecution. However, skepticism lingers. “How truthful and serious he is? We don’t know,” Bahhi admitted.
To mitigate potential conflict, church leaders have advised Christians to adopt low-profile Christmas celebrations. Young women are being encouraged to dress modestly, and traditional customs such as distributing sweets on the streets have been curtailed. Even decorations like Father Christmas and St. Nicholas are being confined to church premises.
A Legacy of Diversity Under Threat
Syria has historically been home to a rich tapestry of ethnic and religious groups, including Muslim Kurds, Shi’ites, Syriac Christians, Greek Orthodox Christians, Armenian Orthodox Christians, and the Druze community. However, the civil war and its aftermath have deeply fractured this diversity, leaving minorities like Christians feeling vulnerable and marginalized.
Despite HTS’s attempts to project a new image, many Christians see the armed men patrolling the streets of Damascus as a reminder of the extremist ideologies that once fueled the group. The visible presence of militants with long beards and military gear evokes fear rather than reassurance.
Holding on to Faith Amid Uncertainty
At St. George’s Church, Bishop Bahhi recently delivered a sermon urging congregants to keep their faith strong during these trying times. Among the worshippers was Emilia, who silently wept as she listened. After the service, she lit a candle and whispered a prayer: “Maybe God will answer my prayers and bring back my son.”
For now, Syria’s Christians are watching and waiting, hoping for genuine change but bracing for the challenges that come with a new regime. The road to trust and reconciliation remains long and uncertain, but their faith endures, offering a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
