Rabbi Yusuf Hamra and his son returned to Damascus, Syria, after 30 years, reviving connections with former neighbors and reflecting on the historical Jewish community’s decline. Organized by the Syrian Emergency Task Force, the visit aims to encourage more Syrian Jews to return and seek a path toward reconstruction. Despite the emotional significance, challenges such as infrastructure damage and political concerns make a lasting return complex.
The homecoming of Rabbi Yusuf Hamra and his son Henry to Damascus marks a significant moment for Syrian Jews after over thirty years of exile. Their visit, organized by the Syrian Emergency Task Force, followed the collapse of the Assad regime. Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by former neighbors, rekindling memories and connections from their past. Henry Hamra emphasized, “I left from Syria, but Syria never left us.” During their stay, the family prayed at the al-Franj synagogue and reflected on its deterioration and that of the Jobar synagogue, both casualties of Syria’s prolonged civil conflict.
Historically, Syria’s Jewish population was formidable, nearly 100,000 at the beginning of the 20th century; however, dwindling numbers followed emigration waves, especially post-1948 due to rising tensions. As the Assad family’s regime endured, Jews were allowed to practice religion but faced restrictions and scrutiny, often regarded with suspicion. Following the lifting of travel restrictions in 1992, the remaining Jewish community largely emigrated to places like New York, fostering close-knit communities. Henry recalled the pervasive fear instilled by the regime’s intelligence services, particularly for Jews, yet he also remembered the strong bonds with Muslim and Christian neighbors.
Mouaz Moustafa, Executive Director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, expressed hope that the Hamra family’s visit would inspire more Syrian Jews to return and prompt the U.S. government to reconsider sanctions imposed on Syria under Assad. His aspirations also include demonstrating the new regime’s commitment to inclusivity and minority protections, potentially leading to an easing of restrictions on the interim president’s group. During their visit, the delegation conveyed a letter to President Ahmad al-Sharaa, emphasizing the Jewish community’s enduring ties to Syria and their desire for involvement in rebuilding efforts.
While the return of the Syrian Jews is generally welcomed, doubts linger regarding political implications for normalization with Israel. Moustafa denounced such speculations, asserting that the trip’s aim was purely focused on Syria’s future. Despite the emotional significance of their return, the Hamra family is reluctant to consider permanent relocation back to a war-torn Damascus. “You cannot stay with no electricity, you cannot stay with no water… it is very, very hard to move back here,” Henry stated, highlighting the challenges of returning to a country devoid of basic infrastructure.
The visit of the Hamra family symbolizes a poignant return for Syrian Jews, evoking hope for their community’s future in Syria. However, the journey back is complicated by concerns regarding infrastructure and possible political ramifications. As the family cherishes their past connections, they also face the daunting reality of rebuilding in a fractured homeland. The ramifications of this visit may not only influence the return of other Syrian Jews but could also impact international relations concerning Syria.
Original Source: apnews.com
