Protests Erupt in Damascus Over Christmas Tree Burning
On December 24, 2024, protests erupted in Christian neighborhoods of Damascus, Syria, following the burning of a Christmas tree in the predominantly Christian town of Suqaylabiya near Hama. Demonstrators gathered to express their fears and demand the protection of their rights as Christians in a country that has recently seen a shift in power dynamics. The protests were sparked by a video circulating on social media that showed masked fighters from the jihadist group Ansar al-Tawhid setting fire to the tree. Protesters chanted, "We demand the rights of Christians," as they marched towards the Orthodox Patriarchate in Bab Charqi, carrying wooden crosses and the three-star Syrian independence flag, which has been adopted by the new authorities.
Context of the Protests
The demonstrations come just weeks after an armed coalition led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, who had long positioned himself as a protector of minorities in the predominantly Sunni nation. Protesters voiced concerns over increasing sectarianism and injustice against Christians, with one participant stating, "If we are not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, then we no longer have a place here." The protests reflect a broader anxiety among the Christian community regarding their safety and rights under the new regime.
HTS Response and Future Implications
In response to the unrest, a cleric from HTS assured residents that the perpetrators of the Christmas tree burning would be punished and that the tree would be restored and lit again by the following morning. This assurance aims to quell fears among the Christian community, which has historically faced challenges in expressing its faith freely. However, the situation remains precarious as HTS, a former branch of Al-Qaeda, must navigate the complexities of unifying a country fractured by years of civil war and diverse religious affiliations. The presence of foreign fighters within HTS poses additional challenges, as the group seeks to establish itself as a moderate authority while addressing the rights and concerns of various ethnic and religious groups in Syria.
