From A Syrian Christian Friend, on Current Events

The following is published as a complement to Joe Doyle’s fine piece, Biden Celebrates Fall of Syria, But Christians Face Peril.

Over the weekend, I emailed a Syrian lady I know to assure her that her family back in Syria are in my prayers. She lives in the United States now, but keeps close contact with family and friends in Syria. She is an Orthodox Christian with what we might call “Catholic sympathies.”

In reply to my message, she told me the following. I’ve emboldened a couple of interesting points:

Nice to hear from you and thank you for your prayers. Prayers are so needed right now.

I am in constant contact with family and friends. It’s taking a good portion of my time.

So far so good. They [the new rulers of Syria] are not killing any civilians and even the army is not fighting them. The army is surrendering everywhere. Aljolani [his name is spelled variously: Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, al-Golani] is emphasizing on no killing or attacking and stealing from people. So, people’s properties are protected. It’s the fear of the unknown right now. There’s a curfew from 4 pm-5 Am.

During the chaos lots of bad civilians started looting stores, private universities, car dealerships, gas stations etc… so he [al-Jolani] is stopping that.

Today there was a meeting with all Christians denominations at the Armenian Catholic church to insure the safety of all Christians in the region. 

Even though I supported Assad, after 11 years of war, his government was oppressing people who never went against him. We suffered from that oppression as well.

He was afraid for himself, so he let [members of his government] do whatever they want. People became impoverished. So it’s time for him to go, but I wish it was done in a different way.

For now we are praying for what is the best for people.