Protests erupted across Syria following the shocking burning of a Christmas tree in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah on the eve of Christmas. This incident, committed by masked individuals, ignited outrage among local citizens and sparked demonstrations across the country, including the capital, Damascus.
The arson attack took place on December 23, 2023, just as preparations for Christmas were underway. Footage circulated on social media showing two masked men setting fire to the decorated tree, devastating local Christians. The incident raised significant fears over minority rights as the country transitions to new Islamist leadership, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) after weeks of rapid territorial gains following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad.
Outpourings of grief and anger prompted thousands to take to the streets of Suqaylabiyah and Damascus. Protesters chanted slogans like, “Syria is free, non-Syrians should leave,” voicing their opposition to foreign fighters who were alleged to have perpetrated the act. Many demonstrators, especially in Bab Touma, a predominantly Christian district, held crosses and Syrian flags as they proclaimed, “We will sacrifice our souls for our cross.”
Among those who expressed their despair was Georges, who told AFP, “If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore.” His poignant statement reflected the sentiments of many protesters, who demanded stronger protections for Christians as new governance emerged.
HTS, which recently captured power and declared its intention to implement pluralistic governance, responded to the public outcry by promising to restore the tree and apprehend the perpetrators. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa publicly dissociated the group from the actions and assured the public, stating, “The situation was caused by foreign fighters.” Their quick damage control demonstrates both the sensitivity of the issue and the challenge of governing a diverse society.
Religious leaders and local officials met with representatives of the Christian community, including Father Maher Haddad from Suqaylabiyah. They pledged to punish those responsible for the arson. Reports indicate security services arrested several suspects involved, reinforcing HTS’s narrative of blame on external forces rather than internal factions.
Despite these reassurances, many citizens remain cautious and unconvinced by HTS’s promises. Christians, who comprise about 10% of Syria's population, have historically faced challenges under varied regimes. Now, as Syria grapples with the aftermath of the civil war, the governing authority’s commitment to minority rights faces intense scrutiny.
During the protests, sentiments of fear and skepticism permeated. Father Andrew Bahi from Damascus articulated the dilemma faced by many, saying, “We have the right to be afraid.” He expressed doubts over whether the supposed respect for all sects and religions communicated by the new leadership would translate genuinely within the communities. Observers noted the religious fault lines becoming more pronounced as the political stability of the past few years disintegrated.
The arson and its widespread ramifications expose the vulnerabilities minorities face amid shifting power dynamics. While the prior regime may have curbed some sectarian violence, the rise of HTS raises fresh concerns about religious freedom. Although HTS has attempted to overhaul its public image, suspicions linger over its authoritarian Islamist roots.
The control HTS exerts today is reminiscent of darker chapters of governance, and many communities fear repercussions, citing past instances of intolerance toward religious expressions. Journalist Wassim Nasr noted, “Even though there was freedom of religion observed, it was limited; public displays of Christian symbols did not happen freely.”
Hope exists, albeit cautiously, among some Christian Syrians who have begun to contemplate the future. Tony Matanius, who lives and works in Bab Touma, emphasized the need to observe how HTS will act on its promises. “We did not decorate the shops and homes as we are used to... but I hope for the best,” he expressed, highlighting the strained optimism following years of conflict.
The protests signify more than just outrage—they reflect the urgent demand from Syria’s citizens, both from Christian backgrounds and beyond, for reassurances of safety and equality. Post-Assad Syria stands at a crossroads; how the new leadership acts and whether they can bridge communal divides will be pivotal for national unity. The calls for justice echoed by the protesters are clear: they seek to reclaim their place within Syrian society, regardless of who holds the reins of power. The burning of the Christmas tree was more than just an isolated incident; it was, perhaps, the spark igniting broader struggles for recognition and rights within Syria’s complex social fabric.
