The Christmas tree is a powerful symbol for Christians around the world.
It embodies hope, faith, and the celebration of light during one of the most sacred seasons.
In Syria, where religious minorities often feel vulnerable, such symbols hold even deeper meaning.
This week, that symbol became the center of protests in Damascus, according to Digi24.
A Protector of Minorities
A video showing fighters setting fire to a Christmas tree in the Christian town of Souqaylabiya, near Hama, caused outrage. The footage sparked anger as it spread quickly on social media.
Protesters from Christian neighborhoods marched toward the Orthodox Patriarchate at Bab Sharqi to voice their concerns.
They carried crosses and waved the flags adopted by Syria’s new rulers. Many demanded protection for their rights and condemned the growing sectarianism they feel under the new leadership.
"If we cannot live our faith freely, then we have no place here," said one protester.
The incident comes just weeks after an Islamist coalition took power, ousting Bashar al-Assad.
Many Christians viewed Assad as a protector of minorities. His removal has left them feeling exposed in a Sunni-majority nation.
Reports indicated that the perpetrators were members of Ansar al-Tawhid, a jihadist group with foreign fighters.
In response, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction now in charge, promised swift action.
A senior HTS leader condemned the act, vowing to replace the burned tree and hold those responsible accountable.
HTS has claimed it wants to rule with moderation, but tensions remain high. The group faces the challenge of governing a country divided by years of war and deep mistrust.
For Syria’s Christians, this moment is a test of the new regime’s promises. The protests signal both a demand for security and a fight to keep their traditions alive in an uncertain future.
