For the first time in Syrian history, a Jewish organization has been officially registered with the government. This landmark decision, approved by the minister of social affairs and labor, signals a potential turning point for the country’s dwindling Jewish community and a step towards acknowledging a long-suppressed heritage.
Hind Kabawat, a pioneering figure as the first woman appointed to Syria’s transitional government cabinet, spearheaded the registration of the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation (JHS). This act isn’t merely bureaucratic; it’s a powerful statement about inclusivity and a recognition of the vital role Judaism has played in Syria’s cultural fabric for centuries.
The registration grants JHS full operational capacity within Syria, allowing them to establish an office, collaborate with government and local communities, and crucially, act as the official protector of Jewish sites. It also opens the door for coordinating the return of properties lost over decades and facilitating regular visits from Jewish delegations.
Kabawat emphasized that restoring the rights of Syrian Jews – to belong, to visit, and to potentially rebuild lives in their homeland – is essential for a more just and tolerant society. She framed the decision as a move towards lasting peace, security, and stability, expressing hope for a strengthened relationship going forward.
Syria’s Jewish community, once thriving with tens of thousands of members, has been tragically diminished since 1948. Restrictions and escalating regional tensions prompted a mass exodus, leaving only a small number of individuals remaining within the country today.
The devastating 14-year civil war has further eroded their presence, resulting in the destruction of most of Syria’s historic synagogues. Yet, amidst the rubble, a glimmer of hope emerges with the possibility of restoration and remembrance.
Henry Hamra, a Syrian American Jew and president of JHS, along with his son Joseph, recently stood in the Jewish quarter of Damascus, overwhelmed by the significance of this moment. Their vision is to rebuild, to welcome visitors, and to showcase the beauty that remains.
Hamra spoke of the profound joy he feels being able to return to Damascus and Aleppo after years of being effectively barred from the country. Under the previous regime, even meeting with a Jew carried severe consequences, but a new era appears to be dawning.
Since the overthrow of the long-standing government last year, Hamra has already made four trips back to Syria. He witnessed firsthand the celebrations marking the anniversary of the regime’s fall, with tens of thousands taking to the streets of Damascus.
The landscape of international relations is also shifting, with the potential rollback of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a significant piece of legislation imposing strict sanctions on Syria. A full repeal is currently being considered as part of a larger defense authorization bill.
Despite the widespread destruction, 22 synagogues once stood in Damascus. Hamra and his team recently surveyed the damage, finding the Jobar Synagogue, also known as Eliyahu Hanavi – one of the world’s oldest – reduced to rubble.
However, the Faranj Synagogue remains largely intact, a testament to resilience and a repository of history. Within its walls, precious books and Torah scrolls have been preserved, representing a breathtaking work of art and a beacon of hope for the future.
