As-Suwayda_ in recent days, the predominantly Christian town of Al-Suqaylabiyah, located northwest of the Syrian city of Hama, witnessed attacks that included the destruction and looting of shops, as well as assaults on residents, sparking widespread condemnation. In As-Suwayda, residents expressed their solidarity with the people of Al-Suqaylabiyah. When church bells rang in the city, people from different religious communities gathered in a scene reflecting unity and rejection of violence.

“We are one body, and division will not succeed”

Wafaa Mahmoud expressed her strong rejection of what happened in Al-Suqaylabiyah, affirmed that such acts contradict the nature of communities regardless of their affiliations. She considered that what is happening today are attempts to sow discord among people, but stressed that these attempts will not succeed.

Speaking about her personal experience with her Christian colleagues in As-Suwayda and Damascus, she explained that they embraced her daughters and cared for them as if they were part of their own family, reflecting the depth of human relationships within the same community. She added:
“We are used to generosity, solidarity, and sharing food and clothing,” questioning the rise of violence and hatred that did not exist before.

She reaffirmed their full solidarity with Christians, noting that the gathering of people from different sects inside churches after the incident reflects a true understanding of unity and solidarity. She also expressed hope for the return of security and stability to the country.

“We reject these attacks”

For her part, Rajaa Mahasen described the current situation as extremely difficult amid repeated attacks targeting civilians, stressing that such actions are morally and humanly unacceptable:
“Attacks on minorities are unacceptable, especially since Syrians themselves have suffered from similar experiences in recent years.”

She emphasized that every human being—regardless of their background—deserves protection and the right to live in peace, noting that pain does not differentiate between people, and that any attack on one group affects the entire society.

She rejected the idea of extermination or exclusion, considering them practices that cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

She called for unity among all communities and working together as one hand to face challenges, warning that division weakens society and makes it vulnerable. She stressed the importance of standing against injustice, regardless of its source, and ensuring future generations’ right to live in a cohesive society where they can achieve their dreams with dignity and safety.

“Violence is rejected, and violations affect everyone”

Rima Azzam also expressed strong condemnation of the attacks on Al-Suqaylabiyah, describing them as unjustified acts of violence against civilians and stressing the need to denounce them firmly. She noted that what is happening reflects the difficult reality in the country, where divisions between different groups are evident, and violations affect everyone.

She pointed out that the Christian community has historically been known for its peaceful nature and has not been involved in violence. Instead, it has provided humanitarian support to all during crises—whether through food, medicine, or other forms of aid. She considered that what happened is a major shock given its positive role in society:
“Violations have not been limited to one area, but have affected multiple regions and different communities, reflecting the widening scope of the crisis.”

Rima Azzam concluded by noting that the ringing of church bells in As-Suwayda and the gathering of people from various backgrounds in solidarity with Al-Suqaylabiyah sends a clear message that society still holds onto the values of coexistence despite all challenges.