Syria's Christian community, once a vibrant and integral part of the nation's diverse social fabric, has faced profound challenges over the past decade. Before the onset of the civil war in 2011, Christians constituted about 10% of Syria's population, numbering approximately 1.8 million individuals. However, the ensuing conflict has led to a dramatic decline in their numbers, with current estimates indicating that only around 450,000 Christians remain in the country.

The rise of extremist groups has exacerbated the plight of Christians in Syria. In regions such as Deir ez-Zor, the Christian population has dwindled to just a handful of individuals, primarily due to targeted attacks by jihadist factions like Al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State (IS). The destruction of churches and homes, coupled with the persistent threat from these groups, has deterred many displaced Christians from returning to their ancestral communities.

Recent developments have further intensified the crisis. A violent crackdown by Syria's new Islamist rulers in the Alawite region earlier this month resulted in over 1,000 deaths over a span of two days, including 745 civilians. This escalation has led to mass evacuations of Alawites and Christians, with some seeking refuge at a Russian military base. Reports of continued killings, looting, and home burnings in coastal villages highlight the sectarian nature of the conflict.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, our organization, The Blessing Projects team has been actively engaged in providing essential support to displaced Christian families in East Syria and the Rojava region. Recognizing the urgent needs of these communities, our initial project focused on delivering vital supplies to those affected by the conflict. We successfully distributed approximately 400 aid packages, reaching around 350 families, totaling approximately 1,200 individuals. These efforts aimed to offer immediate relief and a semblance of stability to families who had been uprooted from their homes.

Our commitment to supporting Syria's Christian community remains steadfast. We continue to collaborate with local partners and international organizations to assess the evolving needs on the ground and to mobilize resources effectively. Future initiatives will focus on expanding our relief efforts, providing medical assistance, and supporting educational programs to ensure that displaced Christian families can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Through these endeavors, TBP aims not only to address the immediate humanitarian needs but also to preserve the rich cultural and religious heritage of Syria's Christian community, ensuring their continued presence and contribution to the country's diverse tapestry.

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Written by Oscar Moy

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Sources:

https://euaa.europa.eu/country-guidance-syria-2024/4105-christians

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/09/17/syria-s-christians-a-disappearing-community_6726315_4.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hundreds-killed-syrian-crackdown-alawite-region-war-monitor-says-2025-03-08/