Syriac Union Party in Syria responds to statement of Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and the East

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — On 12 December 2024, the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East issued a statement asserting that both Gozarto (Jazira) and the Golan are integral parts of Syria. The statement implied that Gozarto is in a situation similar to that of the occupied Golan.

In a statement, the Syriac Union Party (SUP) strongly rejected this comparison and implication regarding Gozarto, which has been a model of coexistence among its diverse national and religious communities.

“The Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA), led by the region’s own people, has demonstrated its commitment to Syria’s unity. The DAA made immense sacrifices to liberate the region from the Islamic State (ISIS) after the abandonment of Gozarto’s sons and daughters by the Ba’ath regime. Therefore, the SUP considers the Patriarchate’s statement as incitement to division and conflict — a stance that contradicts the principles of the Christian faith. Furthermore, the statement neglects to address the regions of Syria currently occupied by Turkey, where Christians have been displaced and their properties seized,” read the SUP statement.

The SUP stated that throughout history, the Church has played a vital role in preserving Christian traditions, rituals, and the cultural heritage of the Syriac–Assyrian people, including their language. However, in recent decades, the former Ba’athist regime exploited the Church to further its political agenda, causing significant harm to the Syriac–Assyrian people’s cause, rights, and international reputation. These actions have diverted clergy from their spiritual and ecclesiastical responsibilities into the realm of politics.

The SUP called on the Syriac Orthodox Church to purge itself of the lingering influences of the Ba’ath regime, focus on rebuilding its religious, social, and educational institutions, and prioritize their development. The Church should leave political affairs to political parties, civil society organizations, and other qualified entities.

The SUP declared that the Syriac–Assyrian people’s struggle for their national and patriotic rights in Syria remains the core of our long-standing efforts.

“We have sacrificed and endured great losses in the fight against injustice, dictatorship, and terrorism. Our goal is to achieve freedom, dignity, and equality, ensuring the restoration of our people’s role and presence in Syria. We demand the recognition of our full national, religious, and political rights on equal terms with all other components of Syrian society,” the statement added. “Together with all Syrians, as we stood united during the revolution, we will continue to strive for the creation of a free, democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria.”