As the whole world illuminates its streets and shares moments of joy for Christmas, the Christians of Syria see this celebration transformed into a season of fear and uncertainty. In recent days, the fire of a Christmas tree in the city of Sqeilbiya, located in the province of Hama, has deeply marked the Christian community. This act, far from being a simple isolated provocation, reflects a diagram of constant persecution under the control of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Directed by Ahmed Hussein Al-Sharaa, alias Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, HTS continues to impose an oppressive ideology which threatens the existence of minorities.
In parallel, Jolani tries to restore his image on the international scene, presenting himself as a “pragmatic” leader. However, recent events, such as the deliberate destruction of the Christmas tree, reveal a very different reality. Behind the “moderation” varnish hides an agenda of marginalization and intimidation aimed at erasing the cultural and religious diversity of Syria.
A symbol reduced to ashes
In Sqeilbiya, the Christmas tree was not just a festive ornament, but a symbol of resilience and hope for a community that endured war years. This act of vandalism, which left the inhabitants in shock, was perceived as a targeted attack against their identity. A resident, preferring to keep anonymity for security reasons, explained: “This tree represented our hope. When they burned it, it was as if they said, ‘You don’t have your place here.’ »»
This attack sparked demonstrations in Damascus, where hundreds of Christians paraded to denounce the persecution they undergo. Walking with crosses and signs, they demanded respect for their rights and better protection against hostile acts. A sign wore the inscription: “We want peace, not fear. For many, these protests not only reflect indignation in the face of this specific act, but a fed up against years of marginalization.
A young man who participated in the demonstrations said: “We are not asking for much. We just want to live without fear. Is it too much to ask? »»
Jolani’s “pragmatism” put to the test
In recent days, some Western diplomats, notably American, have described Jolani as a “pragmatic” leader. Since he has taken official distance from Al-Qaeda, Jolani has multiplied efforts to reposition HTS as a legitimate authority in northern Syria. By replacing his military outfits with elegant costumes and appearing in media interviews, he tried to reshape his image.
However, recent events, such as the fire of the Christmas tree and the acts of intimidation against minorities, reveal that this alleged pragmatism is only a facade. For Christians, the Kurds, the Yazidis and other marginalized groups, HTS remains a group animated by the same ideological motivations. An Idlib resident said: “They call her pragmatic because he carries a costume, but her actions show the opposite. This pragmatism is burning our symbols and reducing us to silence. »»
A pattern of persecution rooted in history
The Sqeilbiya fire is not an isolated act. It is part of a long tradition of systematic persecution against minorities in Syria. In 2013, HTS, then known as Jabhat Al-Nura, had attacked the historic Christian city of Maaloula, famous for its Aramaic heritage and its ancient monasteries. During this attack, 13 nuns of the Mar Takla monastery had been removed, then used as a currency in negotiations with the Syrian regime.
One of the nuns, released later, said: “They treated us as tools. There was no respect for our faith or our humanity. »»
Today, HTS methods seem to have evolved. Actions are less spectacular, but their objective remains the same: sow fear and erode the existence of minorities. The fire of the Christmas tree, although appeared like a minor act, is for the inhabitants of Sqeilbiya a clear signal of this intimidation strategy.
Persecution extended to all minorities
He does not only target Christians. The Yazidis, already traumatized by the atrocities committed by the Islamic State, continue to undergo similar threats under the reign of HTS. A survivor Yazidi, currently moved, explained: “With IS, we knew what they were going to do. With HTS, they claim to be different, but their actions say the opposite. »»
The Kurds, in particular in the Afrin region, were also victims of a systematic campaign of destruction and forced trips. Under the pretext of fighting separatism, whole Kurdish villages have been shaved. A Kurdish teacher testified: “They took our homes and destroyed our lives. They want to erase our existence. »»
Even among Sunni Muslims who do not share the rigid interpretation of Islam by HTS, fear is omnipresent. A Christian from Idlib, injured by a bullet qualified as “lost”, expressed his doubts: “They said it was an accident, but everyone knows what it means. Here, no one is really safe. »»
The false semblance of governance
Jolani’s attempts to present HTS as a legitimate and pragmatic authority continue to arouse criticism. Although HTS seeks to present himself as a stabilizer player in northern Syria, his actions on the ground betray a very different reality. Persistent persecution, intimidation and the abolition of minority identities reveal an agenda that remains unchanged.
A demonstrator of Sqeilbiya summed up: “It is not governance, it is control. They want to erase us, one act after another. »»
Urgent global responsibility
While the world celebrates Christmas as a season of peace, unity and hope, the ashes of the Sqeilbiya tree recall the urgency of acting. Syrian minorities, which face systematic persecutions, need international recognition and protection. Jolani’s “pragmatism”, often rented by some observers, cannot hide the acts of his organization which continues to divide and marginalize.
An elderly woman, interviewed during demonstrations in Damascus, said: “All we ask is to celebrate our faith, to come together with the family and to live without fear. Is it too much to ask? »»
The international community must answer this call. Protecting minorities in Syria, guaranteeing their right to exist and preserving the country’s cultural diversity are not luxury but moral necessities. Without a decisive action, Syria will continue to lose its multi -confessional identity, and with it, part of its soul.
While the Christians of Syria light their candles this Christmas, they do it in an act of distrust and hope, hoping that their voices will finally be heard.
مجهولون يقومون بحرق شجرة عيد الميلاد في مدينة السقيلبية بريف حماة الغربي وسط #سوريا. pic.twitter.com/rifolpkuda— Ahmad hamieh🇦🇷🇦🇷 (@ahmadhamieh313) December 23, 2024
