Christmas Celebrations in Syria Limited to Prayers in Solidarity with Gaza
Christmas cheer has deserted the streets of Syria’s cities, as the main churches have limited celebrations to prayers in solidarity with Palestinians suffering in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces have launched a massive air and ground offensive, has led to the cancellation of official Christmas festivities in Syria.
The Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Aleppo, Mor Dionysius Antoine Shahda, expressed his concern for the suffering of the people in Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. He stated that the cancellation of celebrations in Syria is a show of support for the victims of the bombing in Gaza.
The leaders of three major churches in Syria, including the Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Melkite Greek Catholic patriarchs, have also announced the cancellation of Christmas festivities. They have limited celebrations to religious ceremonies and prayers, given the current circumstances, especially in Gaza.
The health ministry in Gaza has reported that more than 20,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its offensive. Most of the casualties are women and children. In response to a deadly attack on southern Israel, Hamas launched an attack that killed about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians.
The ongoing violence has displaced many Gazans, forcing them into crowded shelters or tents. They are struggling to find basic necessities such as food, fuel, water, and medical care. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has stated that there is no safe place anywhere across the narrow territory.
Before the civil war in Syria began in 2011, the country was home to over 1.2 million Christians. However, due to the conflict, a significant number of Christians have fled the country. Christmas celebrations had been dampened by the war but had picked up in recent years as government forces regained control of large parts of the country.
However, this year, gloom prevails in the streets of the capital, Damascus. Festivities are limited to a lone market, and the Greek Orthodox Mariamite Cathedral has modest decorations and a small tree in its courtyard. Many residents, like Rachel Haddad, have been following the news of the devastation in Gaza and do not have the heart to put up a Christmas tree. Haddad also cited Syria’s economic woes and the lack of electricity as reasons for the subdued celebrations.
Syria’s economy has been severely affected by the war, resulting in recurrent fuel shortages and daily power cuts. With limited access to electricity, the decorations and lights that usually adorn the streets during Christmas cannot be fully appreciated.
As Christmas approaches, the focus in Syria is on solidarity with the suffering in Gaza. The cancellation of celebrations and the limited festivities reflect the somber mood in the country. Syrians stand in support of the victims of the conflict and hope for peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Christmas celebrations in Syria have been limited to prayers in solidarity with Palestinians suffering in Gaza. The cancellation of festivities reflects the somber mood in the country and the desire to show support for those affected by the ongoing conflict. Syrians hope for peace and stability in the region as they stand united with the victims of the war in Gaza.