TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has fled to Moscow and been granted asylum by Russia, according to Russian media reports. Assad’s departure follows years of conflict and his eventual removal from power during the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Assad’s regime collapse was directly linked to Israel’s military actions targeting Iran and Hezbollah, an allied group based in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s comments underline the broader regional implications of Assad’s fall. So, what does this mean for the Syrian Christian population?

The Christian community in Syria has deep historical roots, dating back to the apostolic era. Advocacy groups emphasize that preserving this community is crucial to preventing further radicalization and instability in the region. Before the conflict began in 2011, Christians made up about 10 per cent of Syria’s population, or approximately 1.5 million people. This number has now fallen to around 300,000 due to war-related challenges such as economic hardship, persecution, and violence.

Persecution by extremist groups has driven many Christians to leave Syria. Radical jihadist factions within the rebel coalition have targeted Christian communities, leading to incidents of violence, crime, and property damage.

The fall of Assad has raised concerns among Syrian Christians about their future. They fear a scenario similar to Iraq after Saddam Hussein, where instability allowed extremist violence to thrive, targeting minorities. Rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have pledged to respect Syria’s religious and cultural diversity. Despite reassurances from rebel leaders, many Christians remain uncertain about their safety in a post-Assad Syria. Some Christians have fled while others will try to keep their faith and traditions.