Syria’s Christians commemorate the tenth anniversary of the IS attack that devastated their communities, especially along the Khabur river. With new leadership and ongoing fears of persecution, many local Christians ponder their future. Despite substantial emigration since the civil war began, some residents choose to remain committed to their homeland and faith, hoping for improved conditions and protection of their rights.
Marking a decade since the Islamic State (IS) attack, Christians in Syria reflected on their struggles. The attack, which occurred on February 23, 2015, targeted over 30 villages along the Khabur river, resulting in multiple fatalities and the displacement of thousands. With deteriorated infrastructure and historical churches like Saint Odisho now destroyed, the community’s future remains uncertain. Locals have fled to countries such as the U.S., Australia, and Canada.
Following the removal of President Bashar Assad in December, concerns about religious freedoms arose under the new authority led by Ahmad al-Sharaa from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist faction. Despite his assertions of protecting religious rights, the community remains wary due to HTS’s past affiliations and the persisting risk of sleeper cells from IS. Recent incidents, like the burning of a Christmas tree, have added to the community’s fears.
Archbishop Maurice Amsih stated that Christians hope for cooperation within Syria, expressing a desire for a civil treatment. He highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of all minority groups. In prewar Syria, Christians constituted about 10% of the population, but civil unrest and the rise of IS led to significant emigration, drastically reducing their numbers.
Elias Antar Elias, a resident of Tel Tal, poignantly recalled the community’s peace before violence disrupted their lives. Despite the horrors witnessed during the attacks, he remains attached to his homeland, refusing to leave permanently. Archbishop Amsih noted that the Khabur region once housed 45,000 Assyrians, with two-thirds of the Christian population fleeing since the civil war.
The Church of Virgin Mary in Tel Nasri stands as a reminder of the devastation faced, still marked by significant damage from the 2015 attacks. Not all residents plan to leave; some, like Janet Chamoun, choose to remain despite the fear and uncertainty. Their roots and sense of belonging compel them to stay, even as the threat persists.
The tenth anniversary of the IS attack serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by Christians in Syria. As they navigate uncertainties under new leadership, the community remains resilient, striving for recognition and protection of their rights. With a significant decline in their population due to conflict and persecution, the hope is to foster a collaborative spirit among all factions in Syria. Despite the tribulations, many choose to stay rooted in their heritage, affirming their connection to their homeland.
Original Source: www.texarkanagazette.com
