Christians in Syria

April 15, 2012

The situation of Christians in Syria is precarious. Aside from the many details of politics and suffering in Syria, one factor stands out in its implication for Christians: Assad’s dictatorial powers restrained other forces that seek to “destroy the Christian community.” Some of these forces are now taking advantage of the revolution. Islamist martyrdom brigades have been formed. In February Ayman al Zawahiri, the leader of al Qaeda, called for Muslims in surrounding countries to join in the jihad in Syria. Al Qaeda terrorists from Iraq have infiltrated the country.  The Muslim Brotherhood is gathering strength and reportedly distributing weapons and money.

Christian neighborhoods have been targeted with bombs.  Around 70 Christian homes in the city of Homs were pillaged by jihadists. Sometimes even the doors were taken.  An evangelical school and an evangelical home for the elderly were occupied by rebel forces who planted landmines there. Government forces shelled the occupied buildings. 

In the midst of this turmoil, Christians’ responses vary. Some desire to flee, while others wish to remain in their homes. For a time, many were trapped with other civilians in the city of Homs and were used as human shields. After a negotiation, some were able to escape the city. Many Christians have sought refuge in neighboring regions.

For other Christians, the choice to leave was not voluntary. A Wahhabi group reportedly conducted a “cleansing” of Homs, specifically targeting Christians. The group went house to house ordering Christians to leave immediately or be killed. Believers were not even permitted to take a change of clothes or other belongings with them. According to this report, nearly 90% of the city’s Christians are now gone.

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