This article discusses the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State attack on Christians in Syria, highlighting the loss of community and the ongoing fears regarding their future under the new regime. Survivors recall the horrors of the past while expressing a desire for peace and cooperation. Despite a significant decline in population, many Christians choose to remain, valuing their heritage and expressing hope for civil treatment in post-Assad Syria.
In Tel Tal, Syria, Christians reflect on a decade since the Islamic State (IS) attack that devastated their community and resulted in the destruction of the Saint Odisho church. This tragic event led to the mass exodus of residents, with many relocating to countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and various European nations. The anniversary, marked on February 23, 2025, commemorates the attack on over 30 villages, in which numerous Christians lost their lives, were injured, or taken hostage.
The current climate poses significant concerns for the remaining Christians in Syria, especially after the recent insurgent overthrow of President Bashar Assad. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the newly appointed interim president from the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has made assurances regarding the protection of religious rights amidst this change. Although HTS previously affiliated with al-Qaida, they are known for their opposition to IS, which has not completely eradicated its sleeper cells in the region.
Recent events, such as an attack on a Christmas tree in Suqailabiyah, further emphasize the lingering threats to religious minorities, despite authorities labeling such acts as isolated incidents. Archbishop Maurice Amsih, a prominent figure among Syrian Christians, emphasized the need for cooperative governance to ensure the rights of all communities. He articulated a strong desire for Christians to be treated with respect and civility.
Historically, Christians constituted about 10% of Syria’s prewar population of 23 million, coexisting peacefully with Muslims and practicing their faith freely under Assad’s regime. The civil war, however, initiated in 2011, displaced hundreds of thousands of Christians and aggravated their vulnerability.
Elias Antar Elias, a local leader and survivor of the IS onslaught, shared his harrowing memories of fleeing in the night as violence erupted in their once-peaceful villages. He attested to the atrocities witnessed, including the grim fate of fellow Christians at the hands of extremists. Despite the decimated population of Tel Tal, where only approximately 30 residents remain, Elias affirmed his enduring attachment to the land where his roots lie.
The archbishop noted that 34 Christian villages on the Khabur River once housed around 45,000 Assyrians, but this number has drastically reduced due to emigration. Some resilient Christians, like Janet Chamoun, affirm their commitment to remaining in Syria despite the precarious future, valuing their heritage and homes. Many still attend services and pray in damaged churches, reflecting their enduring faith and connection to their homeland.
The commemoration of the IS attack on Christians in Syria serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by this community. As they navigate a landscape altered by violence and instability, their resilience and desire for coexistence remain powerful themes. The assurance from leaders such as Ahmad al-Sharaa provides a glimmer of hope; however, the future of Christians in Syria remains precarious, with fears of further violence and oppression underscored by the historical context of rising extremism. Ultimately, the commitment of Christians to their homeland reflects a deep-rooted connection that persists despite adversity.
Original Source: www.texarkanagazette.com
