Historic Registration of Jewish Organization in Syria
On Wednesday, Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor authorized the registration of a Jewish organization for the first time ever in the nation’s history.
Hind Kabawat, who is the first woman appointed to the Syrian Interim Government Cabinet, has been registered with the Syrian Jewish Heritage Foundation (JHS). This decision marks a significant milestone for the local Jewish community.
This registration allows JHS to fully operate in Syria, including setting up an office, engaging formally with government and communities, and fulfilling the role of an entity responsible for safeguarding Jewish sites. The foundation can now assist in the return of Jewish properties and regularly invite Jewish delegations to visit.
Kabawat shared her thoughts, stating, “Judaism and Syrian Jews have long been part of Syria’s religious and cultural fabric. Restoring their right to belong, to visit and return to their homeland is a natural step toward a more just, tolerant and inclusive society.”
She emphasized that for decades, Syrian Jews were denied the ability to celebrate their cultural and religious heritage, but now they’re moving toward long-term peace, security, and stability. “We wish the organization success in preserving Jewish heritage in Syria,” she added, expressing optimism for future cooperation.
The Jewish population in Syria, which once numbered in the tens of thousands, has significantly dwindled since 1948 due to ongoing restrictions and regional tensions that prompted many families to leave.
Additionally, JHS President Henry Hamra, a Jewish Syrian American, along with his son Joseph, expressed their excitement during a discussion from the Jewish Quarter of Damascus. “We’re starting to build the synagogue and getting everyone ready to come and see what we have here, a beautiful place. And we’re ready for everyone to come,” he shared.
Hamra noted the cultural shifts, stating, “It is a great pleasure for me to be able to travel regularly to Damascus and Aleppo. Syria has been closed to us for a long time. The Assad regime will arrest anyone who meets or hosts Jews. Today, Syria is finally back to its people, regardless of faith or ethnicity.”
Reflecting on the past year, he mentioned that he has returned to Syria four times since the regime changed following the ousting of former dictator Bashar al-Assad. Recently, many Syrians gathered to commemorate the anniversary of that significant event.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway regarding the repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which imposed tough U.S. sanctions on Syria since enacted in 2019. This complete repeal is included in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has passed the House of Representatives and awaits President Trump’s signature after returning to the Senate.
Hamra also highlighted that Damascus still has 22 synagogues, but many have been destroyed over the years. During a recent visit, he observed the ruins of the Jobar Synagogue, one of the oldest in the world, and noted that only the Phalange synagogue remains relatively intact.
