Syrian Abbess Condemns West’s Silence After Christmas Tree Burning
Anger and fear are gripping Syria’s Christian community following the burning of a christmas tree in Hama, a predominantly Christian city.The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, shows a masked individual setting fire to the tree at a roundabout in Al-Suqalabiyah, near Hama. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Damascus on Monday to protest the attack and express concerns about escalating violence against religious minorities.
Christmas tree in Hama, Syria”>
Agnes Mariam de la Croix,abbess at the Monastery of Saint James the Mutilated in Syria,spoke out against the incident and the broader lack of support from Western nations. In an interview with RT on December 24,2024, Abbess de la Croix stated,”We are not dependent on protection from the West,I regret to say.”
The abbess’s comments highlight a deep-seated frustration within the Syrian Christian community. While groups like Hayat tahrir al-Sham (HTS) initially promised to protect minorities after seizing power, visiting spiritual leaders in Aleppo, Hama, and damascus, the reality has been far different. “Despite this,” de la Croix explained, “the community has been subjected to various means of discrimination and misunderstanding of our Christian symbols, especially in this holy territory on Christmas Eve.”
De la Croix further criticized the West’s inaction,noting,”Europe has never really helped Christians in Syria. Rather, there was always a feeling, ‘It is indeed forbidden for us to even talk about prosecuting Christians.'” She added that European politicians were ”not very happy” when she raised thes concerns.
The recent attacks, including surprise assaults by HTS in Idlib and Aleppo late last month, underscore the precarious situation facing religious minorities in Syria. The burning of the Christmas tree serves as a stark symbol of the ongoing challenges and the perceived abandonment by the international community.
This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of religious minorities in Syria and the effectiveness of international efforts to protect them. the lack of meaningful Western intervention,as highlighted by Abbess de la Croix,is a significant point of contention and fuels anxieties within the syrian Christian community.
Interview with Dr. Sarah al-Amin on the Plight of Syrian Christians
World-today News Senior Editor, Benjamin Rivers, sits down with Dr. Sarah Al-Amin, a leading expert on Middle Eastern religious minorities, to discuss the recent burning of a Christmas tree in Hama, Syria, and the broader challenges facing the country’s Christian community.
Benjamin Rivers: Dr. Al-Amin, thank you for joining us today. This incident involving the destruction of a Christmas tree in Hama has understandably sparked outrage. Can you shed some light on the significance of this act for Syrian christians?
Dr. Sarah al-Amin: Thank you for having me. This act is deeply symbolic and profoundly disturbing. It goes beyond the destruction of property. For Syrian Christians, it represents a direct attack on their faith and identity, especially during a time meant for peace and celebration. The christmas tree burning is a tangible manifestation of the fear and insecurity that many Christians in Syria feel.
Benjamin Rivers: The article mentions Abbess Agnes Mariam de la Croix criticizing the West for their perceived lack of support. What is the nature of thes frustrations within the Syrian Christian community towards the international community?
Dr.Sarah Al-Amin: Ther’s a deep sense of abandonment within the Syrian Christian community. They feel forgotten and unprotected, both by their own goverment and by the international community. For years, they’ve called for greater attention to the persecution they face, but their pleas often go unheard. Abbess de la Croix’s comments reflect a growing sense of disillusionment and a feeling that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
Benjamin Rivers: You mentioned persecution – can you elaborate on the specific challenges Syrian Christians are facing today?
Dr. sarah Al-Amin: Syrian Christians face multiple threats: targeted violence, forced displacement, discrimination, and the destruction of their cultural heritage.Groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) promised protection initially
but have ultimately failed to deliver on their assurances.Christians are often subjected to harassment, extortion, and even threats against their places of worship. The fear is palpable.
Benjamin Rivers: What can be done to better protect Syrian Christians and ensure their safety and well-being?
Dr. Sarah Al-Amin: This is a complex issue with no easy solutions. First and foremost, there needs to be a concerted effort to hold perpetrators of violence against religious minorities accountable. The international community must pressure these groups and the Syrian government to respect religious freedom and protect vulnerable communities.
Moreover, providing humanitarian aid specifically tailored to the needs of displaced Christians is crucial. Supporting civil society organizations working on the ground to rebuild communities and promote interfaith dialog is also essential.
amplifying the voices of Syrian Christians and ensuring their concerns are heard on the global stage is paramount.They need to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Benjamin Rivers: Dr. Al-Amin, thank you for yoru insightful analysis of this critical issue.
Dr. Sarah Al-Amin:** It’s important to keep shining a light on the plight of Syrian Christians. Their story deserves to be told.
