Pater Fadi Azar reports growing insecurity for Christians in Syrien

Father Fadi Azar, a priest in Aleppo, reports that Christians in Syria face increasing discrimination, intimidation, and insecurity nearly two years after the fall of the Assad regime. In an interview with Kirche in Not, Azar stated that rising crime, inflation, and unemployment have led to more frequent kidnappings and looting. He noted that residents must now take security measures to protect utilities like water and electricity meters from theft.

Azar highlighted threats against the Christian minority, including the June 2025 attack on the Mar-Elias Church in Damascus. He reported that Christian cemeteries have been desecrated and churches have been defaced with anti-Christian slogans. Additionally, Azar said radical Islamist groups have used loudspeaker vehicles to drive through towns and demand that Christians convert to Islam.

The priest also noted that Christians face professional disadvantages, stating that some have lost their jobs or been denied career advancement because of their faith.