ICC Note: As Christmas nears, the time of remembrance highlights what has been lost for many Syrian Christians. Speaking from Cairo where they have taken refuge, Syrian Christians highlight the pain that they feel when they see the violence that has spread across their country and the blood that has been spilled in that land. The reality of what they left behind makes it difficult to imagine celebrating the traditional festivities surrounding the commemoration of Jesus’ birth. They remain committed to praying for the peace, healing, and salvation of Syria.
By Waleed Abu al-Khair
12/19/2013 Egypt/Syria (Al-Shorfa) – Syrian refugee in Egypt Samer Sabouh at first had decided not to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in mourning for the death of Syrian civilians.
Sabouh fled the Bab Touma area of Damascus and took refuge in Egypt with his younger brother Moussa. Both families live in one house so they can save money, he told Al-Shorfa.
“Our home is filled with sadness for what is happening in Syria and everyone is constantly preoccupied with following the successive news,” Sabouh said. “But having six children — three of whom are my brother’s and three of whom are mine — brings joy.”
On the insistence of the children, the brothers decided to hang Christmas decorations and put up a Christmas tree, he said.
“I will head to the church with my entire family on Christmas Eve for midnight prayers and pray for the salvation of Syria and Syrians from the daily bloodbath,” Sabouh said.
He said the church invited Christian Syrian families for a Christmas Eve dinner.
“It will be a family atmosphere without music, dancing and celebrations but rather a family dinner that will include giving presents from Santa Claus to children,” he said.
Sabouh said he will make sure to attend the dinner because he feels a pressing for such an atmosphere that reminds him of Christmas Eve dinners in Syria.
Emile Rizk is also a Syrian refugee in Egypt.
Rizk came from Yabrud in Syria’s Qalamoun region to escape the war and his family is scattered throughout Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. He lost some relatives to air strikes and bombardment.
“There is an atmosphere of mourning in our house and I could not put up a tree and decorations but I will join the midnight mass and pray for peace to return to Syria and for mercy for the souls of my family members and Syrians in general who died [in the war],” he told Al-Shorfa.
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