Christmas in Syria: Hope, Pain, and Solidarity
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Christmas in Syria: A Time of Hope Amidst Struggle
Table of Contents
The Current Situation
Christmas for Syrians is a time to cultivate hope, but it is not yet a joyful event. This is what is underlined by the country’s religious people who,from Aleppo to Homs,describe the concerns and fears of a people struggling to find a sense of normality. “This year too, Jesus chose to be born here - says Monsignor Jaques Mourad, archbishop of Homs of the Syrians - becoming a refugee, poor and homeless; in solidarity with those who are suffering.”
Syria is preparing to experience its second Christmas since former president Bashar al-Assad regained control over much of the country.It is a special moment for the whole country, which with difficulty and infinite difficulties tries to create a climate of reconciliation. The streets of the main Syrian cities – he says Monsignor Hannah Jallouf, apostolic vicar of Aleppo of the Latins – are festively decorated with the consent of the authorities, but the economic situation remains difficult and the high cost of living affects everyone, Christians and non-Christians. “Recently – declares Monsignor Hannah – the authorities have raised the price of oil for heating and have also raised the price of electricity. Costs that can absorb three quarters of the average salary of a worker”.
The Search for Normality
Winter in Syria is notoriously harsh, especially in the north, and the snow that has whitened the provinces around Aleppo represents a serious problem. An important christian community lives in this northern city and the parish of San Francesco d’Assisi, with its charitable works managed by the friars, is the main point of social and healthcare assistance for all citizens. Even if the symbols of the Christmas holidays are present almost everywhere in cities and villages, especially where there is a Christian presence, difficulties and fears are not lacking. “We try to restore a semblance of normality to life – explains the parish priest, father Bahjat Karakash – to feel human again, but the fire