Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity.
DAMASCUS, Syria — When they ended their meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the group of Syrian Christian bishops and priests who were gathered at the hilltop Presidential Palace in late December wished its new occupant a “Merry Christmas.”
“He responded, ‘Happy Eid,’” recalled Bishop Romanos al-Hannat.
Al-Hannat was struck by the expression, one that translates as “blessed holiday” and is typically used during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The exchange in Damascus between Christian leaders and a man who once pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda would have been unthinkable only a few weeks before.
“We talked about the Syrian constitution, and we talked about dignity,” al-Hannat said. “It was a very good session, but we didn't have a clear answer” on Sharaa’s plans for inclusivity in governance.
