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MembersSyria: Christians under pressure, as Europe funds a regime that oppresses minorities

Middle East expert and Israel Today correspondent Edy Cohen on the growing persecution of Christians in Syria and the failure of international promises to protect religious minorities.

The Mar Elias Church near Damascus after an attack (archive photo): Violence against Christians has been a reality for many believers in Syria for years. Photo: EPA/Mohammed Al Rifai
The Mar Elias Church near Damascus after an attack (archive photo): Violence against Christians has been a reality for many believers in Syria for years. Photo: EPA/Mohammed Al Rifai

The oppression of minorities in Syria continues. After Alawites, Druze, and Kurds had already fallen victim to violence, Christians are now increasingly coming under attack as well. The regime of Ahmad al-Jolani, which pursues an exclusively religious order in line with Sunni Islam, is continuing its policy of repression.

Despite support from the United States and financial aid from Europe, the regime is continuing to worsen the situation of minorities—contrary to earlier assurances. Just a few days ago, on March 27, 2026, another serious incident took place, highlighting the insecurity of the Christian community in particular.

The town of Suqaylabiyah (Al-Skilabija) in Hama province—one of the largest Christian towns in central Syria—was attacked by armed men who came from surrounding Sunni villages, including Qalaat al-Madiq. According to the government’s official account, the incident began as a local dispute, but it quickly developed into a coordinated attack: armed men on motorcycles opened fire on homes, looted shops, set vehicles on fire, and destroyed property. A statue of the Virgin Mary was also damaged.

Eyewitnesses, however, describe a different sequence...

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