In the wake of the current battles sweeping across Syria, new villages and cities have come under the administrative wing of revolutionary institutions like the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG). Given that many of these newly liberated territories are home to minority communities like Christians, concerns about the conditions of these communities have often been a focal point of international concern. To shed light on the realities faced by Christians in the liberated areas of northern Syria, L24 spoke with Joseph Angelo, a Christian community leader from Qunayya. Angelo shared his perspective on the changes brought by the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), addressing issues of security, religious freedom, and property restoration, while offering a message of hope and resilience to Christians both in Syria and abroad.
L24: Has the situation for Christians improved with the arrival of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG)?
Joseph Angelo: “For Christians, before the establishment of the Salvation Government, there were multiple factions that seized our lands, homes, and livelihoods. Our situation was very dire and extremely difficult. However, after the establishment of the Salvation Government in 2018, our relationship with them improved significantly, and there was noticeable progress in the nature of relations between us and our brothers in the Salvation Government. Certainly, our status as Christians and citizens changed after the government was formed.”
L24: What did the Directorate of Minority Affairs done in terms of security, freedom to apply your religion and giving properties back?
Joseph Angelo: “Regarding the situation with the Directorate of Minority Affairs concerning our security, thank God, it has become good, and we feel fully secure. They also address any issues or challenges we face. As for us, we conduct our prayers inside the churches, and outside, we do not engage in anything. Inside the churches, we hold all our religious practices normally, including during holidays and special occasions.
“Regarding properties, efforts have begun to return properties to the residents living in the villages or towns in the liberated areas, as well as the properties and lands of their siblings and relatives. To our Christian brothers in the liberated areas, especially in Aleppo, we advise them to stay in their homes and not leave. We have a saying, ‘Whoever leaves their home loses it.’ For us, we believe that the liberated areas in Aleppo will be similar to how we live here. We enjoy complete freedom and carry out our daily lives at home. Surely, they will live the same lifestyle, if not better, since Aleppo is a large city with a significant Christian population.”
L24: What message you have for the Christians in Aleppo, do you advice them to stay? if yes why?
Joseph Angelo: “We hope all our brothers will stay in Aleppo and not leave it at all. For us, it does not matter who governs, whether from outside or inside Syria. We don’t care who they are. As Christians, if we have a legal issue or dispute, we can go to court or address it through the security apparatus.”
L24: Many people outside Syria say the current government oppresses Christians in Idlib, what has your experience been?
Joseph Angelo: “The claims that we are threatened are untrue. Yes, at the beginning of the revolution, there were different factions, each operating independently. But after the government was formed, thank God, we now live in safety and security, and our relationship with the government is good.”
L24: Do you have a message to the international community?
Joseph Angelo: “We hope that all active entities outside Syria or the international community will support us or the region we live in. For now, we live in comfort, security, and economic stability, which is much better than in other areas. Thank God, our situation is good and improving. We ask to be left alone, and we are in great shape, thanks to God.”
