Faith and Homeland: North and East Syria forum advocates unity through diversity

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — On Tuesday, the Council of Religions and Beliefs of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) Council of Religions and Beliefs, organized a forum titled Faith and Homeland: Partnership for Peace and Justice in the New Syria. The event brought together representatives from DAARNES, the Olaf Taw Association for the Syriac Language, the Syriac Cultural Association, and the Syriac–Assyrian Martyrs’ Families Foundation, alongside numerous intellectuals, religious leaders, tribal elders, and civil society figures from across the region. The forum was held at Rojava University in Beth Zalin (Qamishli) and was attended by a diverse audience of Syriacs (Arameans–Assyrians–Chaldeans), Kurds, and Arabs.

Context and Objectives of the Forum

Amid Syria’s critical transitional phase following years of conflict and a near-total absence of intercommunal dialogue, the Council aimed through this forum to promote the idea that “the homeland embraces all beliefs and religions.” The event emphasized the importance of building genuine partnerships among these communities as a foundation for peace and justice.

The forum featured participation from officials in the Syriac Military Council’s (Mawtbo Fulhoyo Suryoyo, MFS) Relations Office, leaders from DAARNES, civil society actors, and tribal dignitaries. The organizers ensured that cultural and religious institutions were represented, fostering discussions on shaping Syria’s future on principles of pluralism and justice.

Women’s Role in Society and Pursuit of Peace

The first session focused on the role of women in society. Academic Dalal Khalil, a member of the Council’s Relations Office, presented a paper titled Women Between Recognition and Participation. Speaking to a SyriacPress reporter, Khalil remarked:

“Syrian women have borne the brunt of the war’s consequences and continue to suffer from profound legal and social marginalization. The former regime enforced the notion that Syria must have a single identity and one religion, leading to widespread violations of the diverse traditions that once united Syrians.”

She continued:

“Even after the regime’s decline, Syrian women remain excluded — entire transitional laws are being written without their input. We stress the need for a future constitution that fully represents all societal components and ensures the active participation of women in both political and social spheres.”

Security Challenges and Impact on Cohesion

The discussion then shifted to security challenges. Hussein Azzam, a member of the Relations Office in the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), told SyriacPress:

“Merging ideological or religious identity with national belonging strengthens the path to a unified Syria free from terrorism.”

He added:

“Through the experience of [DAARNES], women have demonstrated their ability to take on responsibilities and manage local institutions. Despite our differing backgrounds, the peace we seek is one that offers equality to all Syrians and unites us across our differences.”

Azzam emphasized that including all religious and ethnic components in drafting transitional laws is a critical starting point for building a modern democratic state. “Security and stability will only be achieved when every individual feels they have an equal right to shape their country’s destiny,” he said.

Impact of Terrorism on Minorities

In a session focused on minorities, Yaacoub Barsoum, a Syriac language teacher at the Olaf Taw Association, discussed the “terrorist onslaught” endured by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people in Nineveh Plains and the Khabur River Valley at the hands of the Islamic State (ISIS). Speaking to SyriacPress, Barsoum stated:

“ISIS invaded our lands in Nineveh and Khabur, abducted over 240 members of our community, and concealed them from the world. Unfortunately, global media platforms failed to shed light on the atrocities that uprooted our villages and devastated our cultural geography.”

Barsoum emphasized that the Olaf Taw Foundation has documented many of ISIS’s crimes. He called for the adoption of a human rights-based, civil discourse on international platforms to affirm his community’s right to safe return and fair compensation for their losses.

Cultural Awareness and the Value of Diversity

Ibrahim Admo, head of the Syriac Cultural Association, criticized the term “minorities” for perpetuating stigmatization and marginalization. In his statement to SyriacPress, he said:

“We believe that Syria is composed of equal components with shared rights and responsibilities. Generations of Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, and Turkmen have lived together in enduring solidarity. The Syriac Cultural Association fully supports women’s participation in all aspects of life and advocates for peace both within Syria and abroad.”

Admo further emphasized the importance of fostering cultural and civilizational awareness as an effective method to counter hate speech and discrimination. “In North and East Syria, religious and cultural diversity stands as one of the true pillars of peace,” he stated. “We must enshrine this diversity in future constitutions and laws.”

The forum’s sessions created an open platform for candid dialogue among representatives of all regional communities. Participants who spoke with SyriacPress emphasized the importance of holding such forums regularly to ensure that all voices are heard in shaping Syria’s future.