Damascus shines with Christmas lights amid tight security

DAMASCUS –

In the heart of Damascus’s Old City, Christmas lights twinkle over narrow streets, shopfronts adorned with baubles and festive wreaths, while security personnel patrol the shadows in a city still haunted by the memory of last June’s deadly attack at Saint Elias church.

The assault, a combination of shooting and a suicide bomb, killed 25 people and wounded dozens more, leaving Syria’s Christian community on edge.

“People are going home early, they are afraid,” said Tala Shamoun, a 26-year-old university student visiting a Christmas market with family. “There have been robberies and kidnappings here before, but that attack was the biggest tragedy we’ve seen.”

Authorities attributed the attack to the Islamic State, although a little-known Sunni extremist group also claimed responsibility. Despite assurances from the Islamist authorities that ousted Bashar al-Assad last year, pledging to protect all religious communities during the transition, sectarian violence has persisted in other areas, including Alawite heartlands and Druze-majority regions in the south.

Security measures in place

In the Old City, Interior Ministry forces were checking pedestrians and stopping motorbikes. At one entrance, a uniformed officer monitored the deployment of personnel across the district, a map and walkie-talkie in hand.

“We have a security plan covering several districts to ensure the safety of all citizens,” he said on condition of anonymity. “It is the state’s duty to protect everyone, Christian and Muslim alike, and today we are protecting churches and the celebrations.”

Syria’s Christian population has shrunk dramatically, from roughly one million in 2011 to around 300,000 today, as many fled abroad. But in the Old City, a small but vibrant community continues to celebrate. Streets are lined with trees decorated with red baubles, vendors sell roasted chestnuts, and local shopkeepers display festive ornaments.

Neighbourhood committees have also stepped in, with local Christians assisting government forces to protect churches during the celebrations.

A resilient celebration

Fuad Farhat, 55, supervising unarmed local volunteers, said the presence of these community patrols made people feel safer. “Many fear that crowds could attract danger, but with these measures, people feel comfortable going out,” he said.

University student Loris Aasaf, 20, was enjoying the festive atmosphere with friends. “Syria deserves joy and hope. We want to be happy and look forward to a new future,” she said. “All communities used to celebrate with us, and we hope to see that again, to help rebuild Syria.”

Near Saint Elias church, heavily armed officers guarded the entrance, with metal barriers controlling access. Churchgoers lit a tree decorated with stars commemorating those killed in June.

“Christmas this year is exceptional because of the pain we endured,” said housewife Abeer Hanna, 44. “The security is necessary because we are still afraid.”

Hanaa Masoud lit a candle for her husband, Boutros Bashara, and other relatives who perished in the attack. “If we go to church and get blown up, where can we find safety?” she asked, tears welling in her eyes.

Despite fear and sorrow, the lights and music of Damascus’s Old City testify to a community determined to reclaim joy and hope, celebrating Christmas while standing resilient against the shadow of violence.