“We are still facing a period of serious instability in Syria, where geopolitical tensions are threatening to further undermine the future of our country. The country remains divided, with the U.S.-backed Kurdish coalition controlling the northeastern areas. Meanwhile, the Israeli army is advancing in the south, near the Golan Heights, a development that keeps raising new concerns about a possible escalation of tensions in the region.” Father Bahjat Elia Karakach, a friar of the Custody of the Holy Land, parish priest of the Christian community of Aleppo, in a note to SIR, outlines the situation in the country following the fall of Bashar al Assad’s regime on 8 December last year at the hands of the rebel alliance led by Ahmed al Sharaa (also known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani). The latter was appointed Syria’s transitional president on 29 January.
Lights and shadows. Instability and insecurity: “The inhabitants of the areas controlled by the new authorities face serious insecurity,” says the friar. “Robberies, murders, vendettas and abductions are rampant.” The economic situation is just as alarming. “The devaluation of the Syrian currency is hampering almost all economic transactions, all businesses are at a standstill and unemployment is rising.” But it is not all gloom and doom, and some light is beginning to shine more brightly in the Syrian context: “There are signs of hope coming from the heart of our society”, says Father Karakach.
“Driven by the desire to contribute to the rebirth of their country, a growing number of Syrians, including our young Christians, are beginning to take an active interest in politics.”
In Aleppo, “as a token of this renewed civic commitment, the Catholic Church has launched an important initiative: weekly public educational meetings on the social doctrine of the Church and discussions on current affairs,” says the parish priest. “These events provide a forum for discussion and analysis, encouraging participants to reflect on the values of justice, solidarity and peace, which are fundamental to building a better future.” Father Karakach is also committed to spreading the Social Doctrine through the social media channels he launched three years ago: “Add Alsama (https://www.youtube.com/@addalsama), which I created three years ago with a Christian journalist, aims to be the voice of Christians in Syria. Since the fall of the regime and the inclusion of content on the social doctrine, we have seen a significant increase in the number of followers, a sign of the interest Syrians have in these issues and their yearning for a doctrine that will enable them to play an active role in the ongoing political process.” In this regard, the Franciscan friar adds, “we ought to recall the recent visit to Aleppo of Card. Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for Oriental Churches. Indeed, during his visit to Syria, the Cardinal repeatedly highlighted the crucial role that Christians can and must play in the reconstruction of Syria, urging everyone to work together for a future of reconciliation and hope. His words have instilled a new sense of confidence in a community that, despite the challenges, continues to dream of a future of peace and unity”, he said. “We trust that dialogue, the commitment of our young people and the sharing of Christian values will contribute to the lasting rebirth of our beloved country”, concluded Father Karakach.
