Hundreds of Syrian Christians took to the streets of Damascus on December 24, 2024, protesting the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian town in central Syria. The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, shows two masked individuals setting the tree ablaze, sparking outrage among Christian communities nationwide.
In Damascus, demonstrators marched through the Bab Touma neighborhood, a historic Christian quarter, carrying large wooden crosses and chanting slogans demanding greater protection for religious minorities. Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for unity and assuring them of their rights in Syria.
The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which holds significant influence in the region, condemned the attack. A representative of HTS visited Suqaylabiyah, stating, “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations.” The group pledged to restore the Christmas tree by the evening.
Despite these assurances, skepticism remains high among religious minorities. Protesters in Damascus expressed concerns over their safety and the future of Christians in Syria, especially following the recent political upheavals. The Christian population in Syria has significantly declined from approximately 2 million before the war to between 300,000 and 900,000 currently.
As Christmas celebrations proceed, the incident has cast a shadow over the festivities, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in the region. The Syrian government and local authorities have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident and subsequent protests.
The situation remains tense, with Christian communities calling for concrete actions to ensure their safety and preserve their rights in a rapidly changing Syrian landscape.
