Updates from the field
Emergency Aid for Christians in Syria
After a terrorist takeover in west Syria, Christians face persecution and desperation
April 01, 2025 | by Daryl Hedding
Hostile Takeover by Terrorist Group in Syria
Fear struck like lightning when the militant Islamic group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over Aleppo, Syria. Hundreds of Christian families fled to seek refuge in Homs governorate, hoping to find safety.
For Christian families still hiding in their homes in Aleppo, many were unable to go to work, left without salaries due to bank closures, and faced desperation as they remained trapped in their homes.
Meanwhile, those Christians who fled to Homs governorate sought shelter in various locations. Some families found sanctuary in churches. Others found refuge with relatives or within a community called the Christian Valley. Initially, these areas seemed like safe havens, but peace suddenly dissolved. HTS rapidly expanded its shock campaign beyond Aleppo.
When Homs fell under the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s control, Christian families faced similar fears and challenges all over again: lack of work, no access to salaries, and growing desperation as they struggled to get through their uncertain day.
The process repeated itself once again when HTS moved forward from Homs to seize Damascus and most of the remainder of Syria.
Persecuted Christians Face Expulsion From Homeland
Already burdened by years of conflict and instability, Christian families now face an increasingly precarious existence. They must endure heightened fear, the loss of livelihoods, and growing social isolation. Those who remain are often trapped in dire circumstances, with limited access to work, resources, or basic freedoms.
The Christian community, first begun in Antioch during the biblical Book of Acts, is integral to Syria’s tapestry of people. But these Christians face mounting challenges since HTS assumed control over the country. The targeted violence and systematic suppression threaten their religious and cultural identity.
Reports document atrocities such as the burning of a Christmas tree in a predominantly Christian town. Additionally, reports tell of the destruction of churches and other cultural landmarks. These acts of aggression will likely lead to the forced migration of the remaining Christians, compelling them to abandon communities they have lived in for thousands of years.
Essential Aid and Spiritual Support for Families
Shai Fund worked alongside local churches and other organizations to ensure efficient aid delivery to vulnerable families. This emergency relief initiative provided critical, life-saving support to displaced Christian families.
This project provided critical relief to families facing severe hardship by delivering financial assistance and food aid, offering immediate stability and hope.
Overall, the project provided essential aid to 415 families, reaching 1,412 individuals at a time of extreme hardship. During harsh winter conditions and escalating instability, this support ensured families had essential food, warmth, and resources to survive. The impact was immediate and tangible, offering relief to those facing displacement, fear, and uncertainty.
Further, we were able to offer vital spiritual support to Christian communities in Aleppo and Homs, strengthening the Church’s role as a refuge for displaced and vulnerable families.
By working through local churches, our relief aid reinforced a sense of solidarity and belonging during a time of crisis.
Lives Impacted by Relief Efforts
Many beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, sharing support not only met their physical needs but also renewed their hope and dignity in ongoing hardships.
Farah* and her husband Tariq* live with their two children in Aleppo. The family relies entirely on Tariq’s retirement pension, which has become unreliable due to delayed payments. Although governmental banks have resumed operations, many retirees, including Tariq, have not received payments for over two months. This has left the family struggling to cover basic expenses amidst rising prices for essential goods.
As part of the emergency aid project, the family received essential staples to sustain them for several weeks. The assistance not only met the family’s basic needs but also reminded them they were not alone in their struggles.
Farah: “This help came at a time when we were at a breaking point. As Christians, we have faced so many challenges, and the food parcel eased that pressure and reminded us that God works through the kindness of others. We are deeply grateful for this support.”
Amal* lives in Zaidal, Homs governorate, with her two children. A widow, Amal depends on her late husband’s retirement salary to support her family. However, the financial and social instability brought on by Syria’s ongoing conflict left the family increasingly vulnerable.
Through the emergency aid project, Amal’s family received much-needed financial relief, allowing Amal to purchase food and other essential supplies.
Amal: “I believe that God always provides, even in our darkest moments. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Your support reminds us that God is watching over us through the care and kindness of others. May God protect you and give you the strength to continue helping those in need.”
Ensuring the Survival of Syrian Christian Communities
Through this emergency relief effort, Shai Fund addressed the pressing needs of Christian families in Syria. Along with our partners, we provided direct assistance to those facing the harsh realities of forced displacement and persecution solely for their religious beliefs.
With ongoing threats to their safety and stability, continued support is crucial to ensuring Syria’s Christian communities can remain and rebuild, rather than being forced into permanent exile.
*Names changed to protect the identity of the individuals
