Demonstrators took to the streets in Damascus and locations in Syria after armed men burnt a Christmas tree in the city of al-Suqaylabiyah.
People chanted slogans against sectarian strife that seeks to destabilize society, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.
“Everyone chanted demanding the protection of Christians in Syria,” said Samer Elias, who joined the protests in Damascus on Monday evening.
A security source in Hama province, where al-Suqaylabiyah is located, told dpa that two people burnt the tree and one of them was arrested.
Civil war broke out in Syria in 2011 following pro-democracy protests against Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Earlier this month, rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a rapid offensive making major territorial gains until they captured Damascus.
HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has promised moderation and respect for religious minorities.
But in Damascus, Father Andrew Bahi expressed concern about how Christians will be treated be in Syria after al-Assad’s ouster.
“We have the right to be afraid. Over the years, the [Christian-dominated] neighbourhoods of eastern Damascus have been hit by hundreds of shells and we endured in our homes, but now the atmosphere remains ambiguous. There is a conflict and contradiction between words and actions,” said Bahi.
“The statements by the new leadership in Damascus are reassuring and they stressed respect for all sects and religions, but some actions and slogans are a source of concern for us, and the coming days will test that,” added Bahi.
Meanwhile, Tony Matanius, a Christian man from Bab Touma, in eastern Damascus, who works at a grocery store, said that rebels who seized the capital “did not do anything that would offend or harm us, but everyone is cautious.”
“We did not decorate the shops and homes as we are used to, though no one stopped us, but things we have heard and seen published on some social media sites are scaring us,” he added.
Matanius is optimistic about change after enduring conflict in the country for 13 years. He said he will continue monitoring statements by the new leadership and hope “they are translated into actions, not just words.”
Rana Medani, a civil employee, believes that the injustices Syrians faced during al-Assad’s rule harmed people all faiths.
“Personally, I am optimistic about the new leadership. I do not care if the ruler is Muslim or Christian. I care that it is someone who wants the best for the people and serves the people,” she added.
