Cautious optimism amid uncertainty: an update on Syria

Juliette, a Christian woman in Syria, shares her reflections and perspective on a new era in her country.

After nearly 54 years of rule by the Assad family, first under Hafez al-Assad and later continued by his son, Bashar al-Assad, a new era has emerged in Syria. The regime’s legacy is characterised by widespread repression and, more recently, atrocities committed against civilians during the 14-year Syrian conflict. We asked Juliette*, a Christian woman residing in Syria, to share her perspective on the changes in Syria in this transition period. You will be able to read regular updates from Juliette to her global church family.

To me, Syria feels like a newborn, tentatively finding its way and interacting with a diverse array of individuals.

One of the first things I noticed after the changes is that, for years, we struggled to find even the basics – but now there’s a resurgence of essential goods in the market and imported products are once again visible on the streets. Much more fuel is available on the streets and at fuel stations. However, a pressing challenge remains as many people struggle to afford heating fuel or cooking gas.

Previously, the government provided subsidised gas to families through a smart card system, ensuring they only paid a fraction of the actual cost, and the interim government could not provide this due to the deficit caused by the regime fall. 

Similarly, access to imported medicines has improved, but the problem remains that there is lack of cash due to low family income and imported medicines are more expensive – all that presents a new hardship.

And then there’s the issue of salaries. My parents are retired and, like many government employees and retirees, they haven’t received their pension payment for November and December. The transitional period has disrupted everything, and that is hitting people hard.

Notably, when I walk around the Syrian streets, the visual landscape has transformed – there are no longer images of the Assad family or military checkpoints, both of which were once ubiquitous.

“A profound sense of hope”

I truly believe the end of the Assad-led government is a pivotal moment for Syria, potentially offering a new and more hopeful chapter for the Syrian people. The streets reverberated with surreal scenes of jubilation, marking the end of an era characterised by fear and oppression. There were heartening tales of individuals reunited with their loved ones after enduring prolonged imprisonment. I saw a profound sense of hope; it is extraordinary to see this level of joy, hope and euphoria.

What’s even more inspiring are the initiatives springing up everywhere. A lot of local associations and youth groups launched initiatives for communal support. They want to leave a lasting impact, from cleanliness campaigns in universities and on streets and squares, to art projects modifying the artworks that express the previous government, bread distribution initiatives during the period when bakeries were closed, and initiatives to form neighbourhood committees for protection and assistance during the transitional period.

But let me be honest, amid the celebrations, the fear lingers alongside the surreal happiness, like many others I feel insecure as we don’t know what to expect.

Uncertainty and fear

In general, many Syrians are afraid that the change of control might have a negative impact. Especially for Christians like me, the uncertainty is unsettling. When I go to church, I see it in everyone’s eyes. We’re worried about what this change might mean for us.

The incidents that happened to Christians, in different cities in Syria in the past weeks, only add to this. For example, on 17 December 2024, gunmen attacked the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama in western Syria, shooting at the church walls and attempting to tear down the cross atop the building.

Before Christmas Eve, attackers burned a Christmas tree near the Syrian city of Hama. Additionally, some groups moved around cities, especially in neighbourhoods where Christians live such as in Aleppo and Damascus, calling for wearing the hijab or joining Islam.

All these incidents were individual acts, it seems. None of them were carried out by the new authorities in Syria. So far, the new authorities have acknowledged the events and are working to rectify the situation after these occurrences.

“We need to act carefully”

I believe that during this transitional phase, we as Christians need to act carefully. We must be mindful of the path ahead and find ways to address the challenges we face without provoking conflict or adding to the tensions that come with such a significant change in leadership.

It’s also crucial for us to protect our faith and our core beliefs, especially when I think about the history of groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the new authority now in power. I’m also deeply concerned about the Islamic groups that challenge the place of Christianity as a minority in society. Some of my friends from church have even encountered individuals who claim that Christians no longer belong here.

But even in the face of these challenges, I find strength in my faith and in the words that the Greek Orthodox Patriarch delivered in his post-regime-change sermon: “We stand on the threshold of a new phase, perceiving the dawn of a homeland we all love and cherish. We are on the brink of renewal, which we desire to be radiant with hope and crowned with light. Here in Damascus, from the Straight Street, from Al-Mariamiyya, the neighbour of the Umayyad Mosque, we declare to the world: as Christians, we are from the soil of Syria. We are not guests in this land, nor did we come to this land today or yesterday. We are from the ancient roots of Syria and as old as the jasmine of Damascus. We are from Apostolic Antioch, from this land that has adorned the world with the name of Jesus Christ.”

“I choose to be cautiously optimistic”

The Patriarch’s words serve to reaffirm that Christians not only belong in this land but also have every right to contribute to its progress and development. This is our aspiration.

I choose to be cautiously optimistic, the new leadership is saying the right things, and that’s a start. Nevertheless, the path ahead remains veiled in uncertainty.

In this unfolding chapter of history we, as Christians across Syria, turn to prayer and ask for divine guidance, trusting that God’s will shall prevail. It is essential for all of us as Christians to stay steadfast in our faith, drawing strength and solace from our unwavering trust in God’s plan for our own and the country’s well-being.

*Name changed for security reasons