(haipo) - Lt. Col. (res.) Ihab Shalian calls on the Israeli government to apply pressure and intervene in what is happening in Syria, in order to protect the beleaguered and persecuted Christian minority. The call, which focuses on human rights, raises questions about Israel's policy toward the Sunni and Christian minorities in Syria and the way the country deals with similar hardships in the region.
Shalian invites the Israeli public to a demonstration that will take place on the Hill of Screams on Saturday, 15/3/25.
Demonstration location: Quneitra Observatory.
Date: Saturday, 15/3/25, 09:30 AM.
Click here – for a link to the demonstration address on WAZE
The plight of the Christian community in Syria
In recent years, the Christian community in Syria has found itself under severe persecution due to the uprising in Syria and the influence of extremist terrorist groups such as ISIS. Nearly a million people from Arab countries have been affected by this brutal policy, but the suffering inflicted on Christians in Syria has become a prominent issue in the global fight against terrorism. According to the letter sent by Lt. Col. Ihab Shalian, the Christian community is not only suffering from attacks and murders, but is also being forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in foreign countries, all because of their religious beliefs. Shalian, who is directly connected to these struggles through ties with Christian communities, is asking the Israeli government to offer real and active assistance to those persecuted.
The strengthening of terrorism and the consequences for minorities in Syria
As Shalian points out, the situation in Syria has worsened with the strengthening of extremist Salafi terrorist organizations led by Ahmed al-Shara. They spare no one, not only Christians, but also members of the Druze, Shiite, and Alawite communities. These minorities find themselves at the center of the violent conflicts in Syria, and at times they do not receive international or civilian support for their continued existence. Shalian's call from the State of Israel comes in the wake of international recognition of the situation of minorities in Syria, and includes the growing demand to protect them and act on the humanitarian front.
The difference between helping Christians and helping Druze
One of the points of contention that Shalian raises in his letter is the area of prioritizing aid to the Druze in Syria, when the Israeli government has given them extensive support – in stark contrast to the Christians, who, according to the letter, have not received a response or recognition from the country’s leaders. Shalian points out the essential fact that the government has allowed the Druze to enter Israel, while providing aid to workers and citizens. But the Christians, especially those living in Syria, are not supported by the Israeli government, and they have been left without an address for appeals and humanitarian aid.
The call for a policy of solidarity towards Christians
The story presented by Shelian does not end only with the planned demonstration at the Hill of Screams, but also reflects the pain and disappointment of the Christian community in Israel, who felt that the country's leaders did not share the plight of their Christian brothers and sisters in Syria. Shelian demands that the Israeli government establish a body or official entity that would be an address for inquiries regarding the situation of Christians in Syria, and to find solutions for assistance. According to the letter, there is a need for a clear definition of an aid policy that will uphold the values of humanitarian solidarity.
This call points to the need to address seriously and caringly the plight of religious minorities in the Middle East, and to provide them with the support they need, especially when it comes to minorities who have found refuge in Israel after years of suffering.
Israel is forbidden to interfere in the conflict in Syria. Except; to protect the Druze, our nephews in Syria. Until the fall of the Syrian tyrant Assad. Everyone there, including everyone, was a total hater of Israel. Except for the Druze. So Israel must provide active, physical and economic protection only to the Druze!
You call yourself liberals on this site and leave room for comments, so what's the point of you deleting them and not allowing freedom of expression because they may not be in your opinion?
Deal with critical and unapologetic responses, even if they may not be to your liking, or leave no room for response.
Come on, they've already conquered half of Europe. Happy Purim and a peaceful and blessed Shabbat.
Come on, they've already captured half of Ypres.
Come on, they've already conquered half of Europe, they have dozens of countries to help them around.
It's not enough that we have drowned a quarter of the population here, unconnected, and the situation is difficult in terms of personal security in the north, in mixed cities, not to mention assimilation. We have no shortage of problems in the country.
Until a few years ago, some of the minority communities in the Golan did not even recognize Israel and did not want to register as Israeli citizens, but instead saw themselves as residents of Syria. Suddenly, they are all loyal and asking favors from Israel?
The Syrians have 22 sister countries that they can ask for help from.
Israel is prohibited from helping citizens in enemy countries, nor from interfering in what is happening there.
First, help soldiers from her own people receive a 90% discount on residential land, like some of the minorities who enlist in the IDF receive, according to advertisements.
I agree with you, there are a billion Christians in the world who would take care of the Christian communities in Arab countries instead of lowering their heads and holding discussions only about us, the global hypocrisy is unbelievable.
I can't attend but I support you.