The ACLJ’s connections on the ground in Syria are painting a devastating picture of what is actually happening under Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership. More than 1,300 civilians have been killed in recent sectarian violence, including Druze, Alawites, Christians, and other religious minorities. Entire families have been massacred while survivors have been forced to flee their homes. Among the victims was Pastor Mezher – murdered along with 20 members of his family – including his children, parents, and siblings.
We’re taking action, so consider joining us by signing our petition, Protect Persecuted Christians in Syria From Genocide, and help us prompt the international community to action.
The ACLJ is working with Reverend Majed El Shafie, a courageous survivor of religious persecution in Egypt following his conversion to Christianity. Rev. El Shafie has been working on the ground in the Middle East and Syria and has witnessed firsthand the atrocities being committed. El Shafie’s organization, One Free World International, which has previously rescued individuals from ISIS – including women and children – has conducted extensive research and fact-finding missions that reveal a bleak reality.
His detailed reports include firsthand evidence of intense human suffering and video interviews with Christian leaders in the region who are living under constant threat. These reports document systematic persecution that directly contradicts the Syrian government’s public statements about protecting religious freedom. This represents only the first layer of evidence gathered on the ground in Syria. Additional findings exist but cannot be publicly disclosed at this time.
These reports go far beyond the headlines of the past month that include a suicide bombing that targeted a Greek Orthodox church, murdering at least 22 Christians in a brutal act of terror, and a jihadist assault on a Druze community in which a U.S. citizen from Oklahoma was killed. The evidence we’ve uncovered paints an even more harrowing picture – one that underscores the rapid and deadly escalation of sectarian violence under Syria’s new regime.
The Rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa: The “Reformed” Terrorist
The international community rushed to embrace Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, who promised unity and human rights. The U.S. even lifted sanctions, extending a hand of friendship to this supposed reformer. We were deceived. Ahmed al-Sharaa was previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, an al-Qaeda terrorist who has a troubling history that contradicts his current moderate image. Sent by al-Qaeda in Iraq in late 2011, he established Jabhat al-Nusra, which quickly gained notoriety for kidnappings, bombings, and terrorist activities that killed significant numbers of civilians throughout Syria. The group earned terrorist designations from the U.N., and the U.S., among other nations, with the U.S. placing a $10 million bounty on al-Julani.
Al-Julani saw his opportunity after the war with Israel weakened Assad’s Russian and Iranian-backed support. On November 27, 2024, al-Julani’s forces launched a surprise offensive from his Southern base toward the Syrian capital, reaching Damascus in less than two weeks. By December 8, 2024, Assad had fled to Russia, and al-Julani declared himself president of Syria.
Realizing his precarious situation in a nation destroyed by years of civil war, al-Sharaa immediately made efforts to curry favor with Western governments, promising to run a responsible government that would respect human rights. The efforts paid off: France and the U.N. recognized his government, the U.S. quietly withdrew its bounty, and President Trump lifted sanctions on Syria. The Trump Administration gave Syria a chance to demonstrate genuine change and commitment to human rights, but that chance has been squandered through bloodshed and deception.
The World Must Wake Up
This is not the time for diplomatic niceties or wishful thinking. It is time for the world to wake up to the reality of the violence taking place against Druze, Christians, and other persecuted religious minorities in Syria. While the international community was right to be hopeful, hope must be balanced with accountability.
The ACLJ is taking decisive action. We are engaging directly with international human rights advocates to amplify the voices of persecuted believers and minorities. We’re also preparing to present before the U.N. Human Rights Council and are drafting memoranda to key Members of Congress, urging a reassessment of U.S. policy toward Syria in light of the mounting evidence of persecution.
To help ensure protection for Syria’s Christian community, the ACLJ is advocating with our partners for the following steps to be taken:
Congressional hearings presenting firsthand testimony about the atrocities being committed by the current Syrian regime;
Direct engagement with Administration officials to convey concerns about how the Syrian regime is betraying America’s trust and expectations;
Media attention to educate the public about what is really happening to Christians and minorities in Syria that bypasses diplomatic headlines and official statements; and
A reassessment of relations with the Syrian government. These massacres must be addressed and concrete actions that demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting religious minorities must be made.
The U.S. and other Western nations must not be swayed by al-Sharaa’s false narrative simply because it aligns with geopolitical hopes and interests. Human rights, particularly the right to life and the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, are fundamental to Western civilization and must not be sacrificed. The Syrian government has shown its true colors and the massacres of Christians, Alawites, and Druze reveal that this is not a government committed to religious freedom and human rights at this moment. There must be consequences with teeth and the international community cannot hedge on this non-negotiable.
Join the ACLJ as we actively work to combat the violence taking place against our Christian brothers and sisters in Syria. Add your voice to this effort, sign our petition: Protect Persecuted Christians in Syria From Genocide.
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