SDC Representative Bassam Ishak addresses plight of Syrian Christians during at IDC lecture: “They feel that freedom has been created again in the country, but it’s fragile and uneven”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Speaking during an In Defense of Christians (IDC) lecture on the current situation of Christians in Syria, Bassam Ishak, President of the Syriac National Council of Syria (SSNC) and Representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) in Washington, D.C., shed light on the complex challenges faced by Christian communities under the Syrian Transitional Government (STG). Ishak combined personal insights from his recent visit to Daramsuq (Damascus) and a critical analysis of Syria’s current socio-political landscape.

Reflecting on his return to Daramsuq after a 14-year absence, Ishak noted the profound transformation among the Christian community. “The people I knew before are different now,” he stated. “They’ve found their voice, and it’s not a voice of fear— it’s a voice of courage and transparency.” He explained that this newfound courage allows individuals to openly discuss their concerns and aspirations.

However, Ishak was quick to point out the precariousness of this freedom. “Syrian people are tired of the war and the external influences that have exacerbated it,” he elaborated. “They feel that freedom has been created again in the country, but it’s fragile and uneven.” This fragility is felt across religious lines, encompassing both Christians and Muslims, who seek peace while navigating the uncertainties of the post-conflict environment.

The systemic barriers for Christians were also addressed, with Ishak calling attention to the Constitutional Declaration requiring the Syrian president to be Muslim. “This structural barrier creates a second-class status for Christians,” he said. Ishak argued that reliance on Sharia law (Fiqeh) in governance, could be positive or negative based on what and how it is used. It could be used to allow more inclusion of non-Muslim communities, or to marginalize them. “These issues are critical for Christians today,” he asserted, “but the most pressing issue remains their security.”

Violence in western Syria has exacerbated these security concerns, Ishak recounted, emphasizing that casualties among Christians and Sunni Muslims are often indiscriminate, resulting from ongoing conflict rather than targeted attacks. “Christians [in Syria] have never sought power through violence,” he explained. “Their focus has always been on survival and coexistence.” He lamented the STG’s inability to maintain stability across all regions, explaining, “[It] can’t provide power everywhere given its limited man power. In Daramsuq, the situation seems stable, but other regions further away from the capital face greater instability.”

During his time in Daramsuq, Ishak observed both hope and apprehension among Christians. “They want to stay and rebuild their lives, but they worry about security and the lack of legal protections,” he shared. Despite these challenges, the community is exploring ways to collaborate with the STG while preserving their identity and advocating for their rights.

Ishak emphasized the role of the international community in ensuring the survival of Syria’s Christians:

“The international community must recognize the urgency of the situation. Economic aid and legal reforms are critical. Rule of law and a non-biased judicial system are required to sustain their presence. Without these, the Christian community will continue to face displacement and marginalization.”

He drew parallels between the 1915 Sayfo Genocide and recent atrocities committed by the Islamic State (ISIS) against Yezidis and other minorities in Shigur (Shengal / Sinjar), the Nineveh Plain, and the Khabur River Valley. “Such examples illustrate the consequences of impunity and denial of past crimes,” Ishak remarked.

In his closing statements, Ishak praised the resilience of the Christian community, particularly through their mobile Christian force, which he described as a powerful symbol of strength. He reiterated his call for international action to provide legal governance and economic support, warning that without these measures, the situation in Syria will continue to deteriorate.

“This tragedy remains a profound wound not only in the conscience of the affected communities but in the conscience of humanity as a whole,” Ishak concluded.