Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Christian neighborhoods of Damascus on Tuesday (December 24), protesting the burning of a Christmas tree. The incident took place in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town near Hama, central Syria.
Chanting “We demand the rights of Christians,” the protesters made their way to the Orthodox Patriarchate in Bab Sharqi. The protests erupted after a video showing hooded fighters setting fire to the Christmas tree went viral on social media. The video sparked outrage among Syria’s Christian communities.
“If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore,” one of the protesters told AFP.
HTS Vows Justice For Christians
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the individuals who burned the tree were foreign fighters from a group called Ansar Al Tawhid.
In another video circulating on social media, a religious leader from Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), Syria’s dominant faction, addressed the public, asserting that the perpetrators were “not Syrian” and pledging accountability.
“The tree will be restored and lit by tomorrow morning,” he assured.
HTS, an Islamist group with roots in Al Qaeda and backed by Turkey, has vowed to safeguard minorities following its rapid offensive that ousted Assad this month after years of deadlock.
Fear Looms Over Christian Community In Syria
When Islamist rebels took control of Syria’s second-largest city in a campaign that ultimately led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Christians were assured their churches and property would be safeguarded. Under Assad, Christians could observe their holidays and rituals, but like all Syrians, they endured severe restrictions on freedom of speech and political engagement.
Residents in Damascus told CNN that HTS has not imposed restrictions on celebrations or prayers this year. However, concerns remain that rogue armed factions outside HTS’s control could pose a threat to the Christian community.
