Christians in Tel Tal, Syria, marked the tenth anniversary of the IS group’s 2015 attack, which resulted in widespread turmoil and a mass exodus of the population. As the region adjusts to new leadership following the removal of President Assad, fears persist about the future of Christianity in Syria. Despite recent violence and the decline in Christian numbers, some local faithful remain committed to their communities, hoping for better treatment and coexistence.
In Tel Tal, Syria, a moment of somber reflection unfolded as locals commemorated a tragic milestone: the tenth anniversary of a horrific attack by the Islamic State (IS) group. The once-vibrant community, marked by the poignant tolling of the bell of the destroyed Saint Odisho church, now stands with homes empty, many residents having migrated to countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and various European nations.
This month, the diminished Christian population in northeast Syria recalls the IS assault that affected over 30 villages along the Khabur river on February 23, 2015. The attack resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and the abduction of more than 200 individuals, prompting a mass exodus from the region as churches were destroyed and families fled for safety.
The anniversary is set against a backdrop of uncertainty for Syria’s Christians following the ousting of long-time president Bashar Assad by Islamist-led insurgents in December. Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has assumed the role of interim president, amidst concerns about the representation of government officials predominantly from Islamic factions. Al-Sharaa has assured that religious rights will be upheld in the newly established governance.
Despite HTS’s previous affiliation with al-Qaida, it has expressed opposition to IS, having battled the group extensively. Although IS was militarily defeated in 2019, reports of persistent sleeper cells remain a threat. Recent incidents have rekindled fears within Christian communities, including an arson attack on a Christmas tree in Suqailabiyah village, deemed by authorities as an isolated occurrence.
Archbishop Maurice Amsih of the Syriac Orthodox Church, while voicing hopes for collaboration among all Syrian factions, emphasized the necessity for fair treatment of Christians. With Western nations urging the new authorities to safeguard minority rights, many Christians face the grim reality of diminished populations, having composed roughly 10% of Syria’s 23 million prewar inhabitants.
Elias Antar Elias, a representative from Tel Tal, reflected on the peace that characterized the region prior to the conflict, recalling the fear instigated by extremist violence. After fleeing to Hassakeh and witnessing gruesome acts of violence, he and his family held onto their village, despite its near-emptiness, indicating their profound emotional connection to their homeland.
Archbishop Amsih estimated that pre-civil war, Syria contained approximately 2.2 million Christians, with two-thirds now having left the country. In the now largely vacant Tel Nasri, displaced individuals from various regions occupy residences left behind by departing Christians, including damaged churches like the Church of the Virgin Mary that still stands amidst desolation.
For some, including Janet Chamoun, the harrowing experiences of violence have not driven them away. Despite terrifying episodes such as surviving a car bomb in 2015, she remains steadfast, asserting that her roots and identity are irrevocably entwined with this land, which she continues to honor and nurture through daily prayers at her church.
The tenth anniversary of the Islamic State attack serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Syria’s Christian population. With the departure of many residents and the establishment of a new regime, uncertainty looms over their future. Despite the hardships, individuals like Janet Chamoun and Elias Antar Elias express their deep-rooted connections to their homeland. As hopes for inter-communal cooperation arise, the plight of religious minorities in Syria remains critical and demands ongoing attention.
Original Source: www.texarkanagazette.com
