Syrian Jewish Delegation Visits Damascus for the First Time in Decades
While the new authorities have pledged to ensure inclusivity for all communities, concerns persist regarding religious tolerance.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A delegation of Syrian Jews arrived in Damascus after more than three decades in exile, marking their first return since being forcibly displaced in 1992 under the rule of Hafez al-Assad, according to the Skay News.
The delegation, which includes prominent figures from the Syrian Jewish community in the United States, such as Rabbi Joseph Hamra and Rabbi Asher Lopatin, engaged in visits to historical and cultural sites and held meetings with the new Syrian government.
The visit comes two months after the fall of the Assad regime and the appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa as the head of the transitional government.
Signals of Inclusivity
Since taking power, the new Syrian administration has expressed openness toward the Jewish community, a move seen by observers as an effort to gain international support and reassure Israel about Syria’s future policies.
In one of the most notable gestures, Ahmad Badrieh, a representative of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, extended an official invitation to Syrian Jews to return and contribute to rebuilding the country.
In response, the Sham Jews Facebook page, which represents members of the Syrian Jewish diaspora, issued a statement of appreciation for the initiative, thanking the new Syrian leadership for supporting their return to their homeland.
Legacy of Syrian Jews and Wartime Destruction
Historically, Syria's Jewish community had a significant presence in Damascus and Aleppo, playing a major role in the country’s cultural and economic life.
However, the community dwindled following decades of persecution, with most Syrian Jews leaving for the United States and Israel in the late 20th century. By the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, fewer than ten Jewish individuals remained in Damascus, according to Reuters.
During the nearly 14-year war, many Jewish heritage sites were damaged, including Syria’s largest synagogue in Jobar, an eastern suburb of Damascus, which was reduced to rubble. The synagogue, built in honor of the biblical prophet Elijah, was looted before its eventual destruction.
Concerns Over Religious Tolerance
While the new authorities have pledged to ensure inclusivity for all communities, concerns persist regarding religious tolerance. Reports of conservative Islamist groups preaching in public have created unease among secular Syrians and religious minorities, including the Jewish community.
Despite these challenges, the Syrian Jewish delegation’s visit is seen as a step toward reconciliation and the reintegration of displaced communities in a new Syria.
