Dear Co-workers in Christ

Most people are closely following the news of what happened in Aleppo, which has now spread to Hama and other areas. I am writing to provide an update on what has occurred and what continues to unfold.

The day after the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, clashes erupted in the so-called “de-escalation zones” in Syria. These zones separate the Syrian army, along with Russian and Iranian allied forces stationed in Idlib, from Turkish-backed Islamic militias. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth wrote, “It is almost certain that there is a close connection between the sudden attack on Aleppo by Syrian armed factions and the ceasefire in Lebanon.”

In less than 48 hours, the militias entered Aleppo and took complete control without facing significant resistance from either the Syrian army or the Russian air force. It seemed very strange, as though it was part of a predetermined plan. Today, those militias have reached Hama and the surrounding countryside.

This scene is reminiscent of the Taliban’s entry into Kabul without any apparent resistance from the U.S. military or the Afghan national forces.

Currently, rumors are circulating that President Bashar al-Assad, who left the country two days ago to meet with President Putin, is in Moscow. The media expresses doubts about his potential return, but these reports remain unverified as Moscow refrains from commenting on the rumors.

Christians in Aleppo are gripped by fear over these developments. Despite statements from the militias urging them to stay and assuring them of no harm, some Christians have quickly departed. Others have chosen to remain for various reasons—unwillingness to abandon their homes and possessions, or the absence of severe violence against civilians so far. This applies to our church in Aleppo as well. The same situation exists in Hama, where there is one church in the city and another in the Christian town of Mahardeh nearby.

This military advance has not yet harmed civilians as it did in previous years, but there have been provocative actions against minorities. Images and videos have circulated showing an armed militant in Aleppo’s Christian district knocking down a Christmas tree, a direct challenge to the Christian faith and beliefs.

Political analysts interpret the situations in Syria and Lebanon as part of an effort to weaken Iran’s influence in the country by utilizing Islamic militias and Syrian armed opposition. However, they deny any intention by Israel, the United States, or Russia to weaken the Syrian government to the point of collapse.

In all of this, the Christian presence is suffering greatly, as more Christians consider leaving the country in search of safety and a better future for their children.

Despite this distress, we trust in God’s sovereignty. He is the One who turns mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty; the God of justice and mercy. He promises that one day swords will be beaten into plowshares, and nations will not lift weapons against each other.

We earnestly ask for your prayers for Syria and Lebanon. May the Prince of Peace calm the storms of human conflict and shine His light into the darkest corners of our country and our world.

Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary (NESSL)

National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon