Syriac Women’s Union hosts anthropologist Dr. Arpan Roy to discuss Christian survival in Syria

BETH ZALIN, North and East Syria — The Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye b’Suriya, HNSS) hosted Dr. Arpan Roy, an anthropologist specializing in Christian communities in conflict zones, for an insightful discussion on the challenges and resilience of Syria’s indigenous Christian minorities — particularly the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people — over more than a decade of war.

The meeting, held in Beth Zalin (Qamishli), brought together key figures, including Head of the HNSS Georgette Barsoumo, Head of the HNSS Beth Zalin Branch Josephine Soumi, and HNSS Board Member Mariam Lahdo. Together, they reflected on the widespread human rights violations inflicted on Christian communities across Syria and the unique challenges faced by the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) population.

Central to the discussion was the devastation of Christian villages of the Khabur River Valley in Hasakah Governorate, including Tel Tamr, which suffered at the hands of the Islamic State (ISIS) and other extremist groups. These groups forced residents into displacement, looted homes, and destroyed churches, kidnapping civilians in a campaign that nearly eradicated the region’s historic inhabitants.

Despite these losses, the meeting highlighted the remarkable resilience of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) — particularly its women. In response to violence, Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) women took on significant roles in humanitarian efforts and formed legitimate defense units, such as the Bethnahrin Women’s Protection Forces (Ḥaylawotho d’Sutoro d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HSNB). These units were instrumental in protecting civilians and preserving their cultural identity.

The discussion also focused on the contributions of the Syriac Security Forces, Sutoro, which includes an all-women section, which established local protection structures and fostered community cooperation in areas under ongoing threats. These grassroots security frameworks were widely credited with maintaining cohesion and stability during some of the darkest times in the region.

Dr. Roy praised these efforts, describing them as a “unique and vital case of grassroots self-organization in the face of existential danger.” He urged scholars and international partners to document and share this story as a model of survival and resistance.

The HNSS concluded the meeting by calling for expanded research collaboration and institutional support to preserve the collective memory of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) Christian endurance. They emphasized the importance of inspiring future generations with a history of courage and defiance in the face of near-erasure.