Protests Erupt in Damascus Over Christmas Tree Burning
Hundreds of Christians took to the streets of Damascus on December 24, 2024, to protest the burning of a Christmas tree in the predominantly Christian town of Suqaylabiya, located near Hama in central Syria. The protests were sparked by a video showing hooded fighters from the Islamist group Ansar al-Tawhid setting fire to the tree, which has become a symbol of the community's struggle for religious rights. Demonstrators marched towards the headquarters of the Orthodox Patriarchate in the Bab Sharqi neighborhood, chanting slogans demanding the protection of Christian rights in a country where they fear increasing sectarianism.
Context of the Protests
The demonstrations come in the wake of significant political changes in Syria, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by an armed coalition led by Islamist factions. Many protesters expressed their concerns about the future of Christians in Syria, a group that had previously relied on Assad's regime for protection. Georges, a protester, articulated the fears of many, stating, "If we are not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we did before, then we no longer belong here."
Response from Islamist Groups
In response to the protests, a cleric from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a radical Islamist group that has claimed to moderate its stance, promised that the perpetrators of the Christmas tree burning would face punishment. He assured the community that the tree would be restored and lit again by the following morning. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges HTS faces in unifying a country deeply divided by years of conflict and the presence of various factions, including foreign jihadist fighters who complicate the group's efforts to maintain stability and protect minority rights.
