Christians celebrate Christmas amid Turkish airstrikes on NE Syria
TEL TAMR, Syria (North Press) – Christians celebrated Christmas on Monday in the town of Tel Tamr, northeastern Syria, located on contact lines with Turkish-backed armed opposition factions, aka the Syrian National Army (SNA).
The celebration took place in an event organized by the Assyrian Democratic Party in the Virgin Mary Church in the town.
Christians in northeastern Syria celebrate this Christmas amid Turkish strikes launched by drones and artillery on various areas along the entire border strip for the past three days.
On Monday, the attacks resulted in the killing of 10 civilians and injury of 25 others, causing material damages to civilian houses and service facilities.
In a previous statement to North Press, Sanharib Barsoum, co-chair of the Syriac Union Party, stated that Turkish attacks destabilize the region, impede international efforts that aim to consolidate cease-fire agreements in Syria and seek a political solution.
Shem’on Kako, a member of the General Board of the Assyrian Democratic Party, told North Press, that despite repeated attacks by Turkey and the dire security situation we face, we are determined to celebrate our national and religious holidays.
Nazira Gawriya, co-chair of the Syriac Union Party, also previously stated that the ongoing Turkish escalation threatens Christian’s presence in Syria.
The celebration included Assyrian folklore dances and music, giving gifts to children, and entertainment activities specific to this occasion.