The Assad regime’s legacy is remembered for widespread repression and, more recently, atrocities committed against civilians during the 14-year Syrian conflict. It’s why many media reports quoted Syrians filled with joy at the downfall of Assad as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over the government.
And yet, believers in Syria are still uncertain about the future. Assad was an authoritarian to be sure … but the new rulers of Syria have a troubling history. They’ve since tried to distance themselves from their past, but many countries still regard HTS as a terrorist organization.
Recently, Open Doors asked Juliette*, a Christian woman living in Syria, to share her perspective on the changes in Syria in this transition period. She’ll be giving us her insights each month, all to help you understand how best to pray for Syrian believers. Here are Juliette’s words, lightly edited for length and clarity:
To me, Syria feels like a newborn, tentatively finding its way and interacting with a diverse array of individuals.
One of the first things I noticed after the changes: for years, we struggled to find even the basics, but now [there is] a resurgence of essential goods in the market. Imported products are once again visible on the streets and in local markets. The [availability] of fuel has also improved significantly, with sales observed on the streets and at fuel stations.
However, a pressing challenge remains, as many people struggle to afford heating fuel or cooking gas. Previously, the government provided subsidized gas to families through a smart card system, ensuring the families only paid a fraction of the cost. The interim government cannot provide this due to the deficit caused by the regime fall.
Similarly, access to imported medicines has improved, but the problem remains the lack of cash due to low family income, and the increased prices between local and imported medicines. All of that presents a new hardship.
And then there’s the issue of salaries. My parents are retired, and like many government employees and retirees, they haven’t received their payment for November and December. The transitional period has disrupted everything, and that is hitting people hard.
Notably, when I go [out] to walk, the visual landscape of Syrian streets has transformed, with the absence of images of the Assad family or military checkpoints that were once common.
A pivotal moment
I truly believe the end of the Assad-led government is a pivotal moment for Syria, potentially offering a new and more hopeful chapter for the Syrian people. The streets reverberated with surreal scenes of jubilation, marking the end of an era characterized by fear and oppression. [We heard] heartening tales of individuals reunited with their loved ones after enduring prolonged imprisonment reflecting the profound sense of hope. It is extraordinary to see this level of joy, hope and euphoria.
What’s even more inspiring are the initiatives springing up everywhere. A lot of local associations and youth organizations have launched initiatives for communal support. They want to leave a lasting impact, from cleanliness campaigns in universities and on streets and squares, to art projects, bread distribution during the period when bakeries were closed, and initiatives to form neighbourhood committees for protection and assistance during the transitional period.
But let me be honest: Amidst the celebrations, the fear lingers alongside the surreal happiness. Like many others, I feel insecure, as we don’t know what to expect. In general, many Syrians are afraid that the change of control might have a negative impact. Especially for Christians like me, the uncertainty is unsettling. When I go to church, I see it in everyone’s eyes. We’re worried about what this change might mean for us.
The incidents that happened to Christians in different cities in Syria over the past weeks only add to this [feeling]. For example, on December 17, 2024, gunmen attacked the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama in Western Syria, shooting at the church walls and attempting to tear down the cross atop the building.
And before Christmas Eve, attackers burned a Christmas tree near the Syrian city of Hama. Additionally, some groups moved around cities, especially in neighbourhoods where Christians live, such as in Aleppo and Damascus, calling for [women to] wear the hijab [a headscarf worn by many Muslim women] or joining Islam.
All these incidents were individual acts, it seems. None of them were carried out by the new authorities in Syria. And so far, the new authorities have acknowledged the events and are working to rectify the situation after these occurrences.
A mindful path
I believe that during this transitional phase, we as Christians need to act carefully. We must be mindful of the path ahead and find ways to address the challenges we face without provoking conflict or adding to the tensions that come with such a significant change in leadership.
It’s also crucial for us to protect our faith and our core beliefs, especially when I think about the history of groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the new authority now in power. I’m also deeply concerned about the Islamic groups that challenge the place of Christianity as [religious minorities]; some of my friends from church have even encountered individuals who claim that Christians no longer belong here.
But even in the face of these challenges, I find strength in my faith and in the words of the Greek Orthodox atriarch that he delivered in his sermon after the regime change: “We stand on the threshold of a new phase, perceiving the dawn of a homeland we all love and cherish. We are on the brink of renewal, which we desire to be radiant with hope and crowned with light. Here in Damascus, from the Straight Street, from Al-Mariamiyya, the neighbour of the Umayyad Mosque, we
declare to the world: As Christians, we are from the soil of Syria. We are not guests in this land, nor did we come to this land today or yesterday. We are from the ancient roots of Syria and as old as the jasmine of Damascus. We are from Apostolic Antioch, from this land that has adorned the world with the name of Jesus Christ.”
The Patriarch's words serve to reaffirm that Christians not only belong in this land but also have every right to contribute to its progress and development—this is our aspiration.
I choose to be cautiously optimistic; the new leadership is saying the right things, and that’s a start. Nevertheless, the path ahead remains veiled in uncertainty.
In this unfolding chapter of history, we, as Christians across Syria, turn to prayer and ask for divine guidance, trusting that God's will shall prevail. It is essential for all of us as Christians to stay steadfast in our faith, drawing strength and solace from our unwavering trust in God's plan for our own and the country’s well-being.
Please continue to pray for Juliette and the Christian community in Syria as they navigate the new reality and work toward helping Syria recover after its long and devastating civil war.
*Name changed to protect identity.
