Syrian Christians Attend Services as Schools Reopen Following Assad’s Overthrow

A week after the dramatic overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian Christians attended Sunday services for the first time, testing the new Islamist rulers’ assurances regarding minority rights, Reuters reported yesterday.

The Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has sought to reassure Christians and other minorities about their safety and way of life.

In the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, worshippers returned to churches, although some expressed caution about the future. Maha Barsa, a local resident, voiced concerns despite no incidents occurring since HTS took power.

Schools also reopened across the country, marking a return to normalcy. The new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces significant challenges in rebuilding Syria, which has been devastated by civil war. While many students returned to classrooms, some parents hesitated due to ongoing uncertainties.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, focusing on the protection of minorities as Syria navigates this transitional phase.