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In a historic first, Syria has approved the registration of a Jewish organization, marking a significant milestone for the country’s Jewish community. The Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation (JHS) received official recognition from Hind Kabawat, Syria’s minister of social affairs and labor and the first woman appointed to Syria’s transitional government cabinet.
This landmark registration allows JHS to establish offices, work officially with the government and local communities, and serve as the recognized entity responsible for preserving and protecting Jewish heritage sites throughout Syria. The foundation will also coordinate the return of Jewish properties and facilitate regular visits by Jewish delegations to the country.
“Judaism and Syrian Jews have long been part of Syria’s religious and cultural landscape. Restoring their right to belong, to visit and to live back in their homeland is a natural step toward a more just, tolerant and inclusive society,” Kabawat said in a statement. She emphasized that the move represents progress toward “long-term peace, security and stability” after decades of Syrian Jews being “denied the right to celebrate their own cultural and religious heritage.”
Syria’s Jewish community, which once numbered in the tens of thousands, has dwindled dramatically since 1948 as regional tensions and government restrictions pushed most families to emigrate. Today, only a handful of Jews remain in the country, and many synagogues have been destroyed during Syria’s 14-year civil war.
Henry Hamra, a Syrian American Jew and president of JHS, expressed enthusiasm about the foundation’s plans from the Jewish quarter in Damascus. “We’re ready to start working on the synagogues and to start getting all the people to come see what we have here — a beautiful place. And we’re ready for everybody to come,” he said.
Hamra, who has returned to Syria four times since the overthrow of the Assad regime last year, noted that there were once 22 synagogues in Damascus, though most have been destroyed. The Faranj Synagogue remains largely intact, with its books and Torah scrolls preserved. “It’s a work of art, really,” Hamra described.
During a recent visit, Hamra and his team viewed the ruins of the Jobar Synagogue, also known as Eliyahu Hanavi, which is considered one of the oldest synagogues in the world. The damage to this historic site underscores the extensive cultural heritage lost during Syria’s protracted conflict.
The approval of the Jewish organization comes as Syria marks significant political changes. Monday commemorated the first anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, which was overthrown last year, ending five decades of family rule. Tens of thousands of Syrians filled the streets of Damascus to celebrate this milestone.
The political transformation in Syria appears to be affecting U.S. policy toward the nation as well. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, the United States’ most restrictive sanctions on Syria enacted in 2019, is likely to be rolled back soon. A full repeal of these sanctions has been written into the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House on Wednesday and now awaits Senate approval before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.
This registration of a Jewish organization signals a potential shift toward greater religious and cultural pluralism in Syria’s post-Assad era. For Syrian Jews who were long prohibited from freely practicing their faith under the previous regime, this development represents a significant opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and potentially rebuild their community’s presence in the country.
Hamra highlighted the dramatic change in Syria’s approach to its Jewish diaspora, noting, “The Assad regime would arrest anyone who even met with a Jew or hosted a Jewish person. Today, Syria is finally back to its people regardless of faith or ethnicity.”
This move may also have broader implications for regional dynamics, potentially influencing Middle Eastern interfaith relations and serving as a symbolic step toward acknowledging Syria’s diverse religious history as the country works to rebuild after years of devastating conflict.
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16 Comments
Allowing the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation to operate officially is a step in the right direction, but the government must ensure the organization has the resources and support to fulfill its mission.
Ensuring the safety and rights of the Jewish community in Syria will be crucial. Ongoing monitoring and dialogue with the foundation will be important to gauge the government’s sincerity.
This move by the Syrian government is intriguing. It remains to be seen whether it is a genuine effort to promote religious tolerance and minority rights, or simply a public relations exercise.
This move by the Syrian government raises many questions. Is it a sincere effort to be more inclusive, or merely a symbolic gesture? Time will tell if real change and protections for the Jewish community follow.
Restoring Jewish property rights and enabling visits are positive steps, but the true test will be whether the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation can operate freely and make a meaningful impact.
This is an important milestone for Syria’s Jewish community, but the true test will be whether the government follows through with meaningful support and protections for the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation.
After years of conflict and repression, this recognition of a Jewish organization in Syria is an encouraging sign. Preserving the country’s diverse cultural heritage should be a priority.
It’s encouraging to see Syria taking steps to acknowledge and support its Jewish population after years of neglect. Preserving Jewish heritage sites and enabling more visits are positive signs.
This could help build bridges and promote greater understanding between Syria’s diverse religious and cultural groups. Inclusive policies are key to achieving lasting stability.
While recognizing a Jewish organization is a symbolic gesture, the real challenge will be translating this into tangible improvements in the lives of Syria’s Jewish citizens. Consistent implementation is key.
Preserving Jewish heritage sites and enabling more visits are positive steps, but the government must also address longstanding issues of discrimination and property rights for the Jewish community.
Recognizing the Jewish community’s right to celebrate their culture and faith in Syria is a welcome development. Fostering pluralism and protecting minority groups is crucial for the country’s future.
While this is a symbolic gesture, the real test will be how effectively the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation can operate and make a tangible difference on the ground. Monitoring implementation will be important.
Skepticism is understandable given Syria’s troubled history, but this recognition could be a starting point for greater religious freedoms and minority rights if implemented properly.
This is a significant milestone for Syria’s Jewish community. Recognizing the Jewish Heritage in Syria Foundation is an important step towards preserving the country’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.
I hope this move signals a more inclusive and tolerant Syria going forward. Protecting minority communities and their rights is crucial for long-term peace and stability.