U.S faith leaders urge Trump to press al-Sharaa to protect Syria’s minorities
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A coalition of American religious leaders has urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to raise concerns over the situation of religious minorities in Syria and push President Ahmed al-Sharaa to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid in southern regions, particularly Suwayda.
In a joint letter obtained by The Daily Wire on Friday, the signatories appealed to Trump to intervene on behalf of persecuted communities, citing the continued violence, starvation, and displacement affecting Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites across Syria.
“We urge you to address directly the massacre of Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites in Syria, notably in the greater Suwayda area,” the letter stated. “These religious minorities face ongoing violence, death, displacement, starvation, and deprivation of water and medical care, while innocent women and children are held hostage by ISIS terrorists.”
The signers of Friday’s letter include Dr. Ben Carson; Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council; Matthew Faraci, senior advisor for religious freedom at the National Association of Christian Lawmakers; former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback; and other prominent faith figures.
They praised Trump for his “leadership in combatting Christian persecution in Nigeria” and for designating the country a “Country of Particular Concern.” The letter reads, “You are the only major world leader fighting for religious freedom, and we need you once again to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
The faith leaders urged Trump to “secure President al-Sharaa’s commitment to opening a secure humanitarian corridor from Hader to Suwayda in southern Syria,” emphasizing the urgency ahead of the approaching winter season. They commended Trump for “urgently rushing humanitarian aid to southern Syria,” noting that such a corridor would “enable safe and secure aid delivery and civilian evacuation, signaling the new government’s commitment to minority rights and stability.”
“Your advocacy for the persecuted inspires us,” the signatories concluded. “We stand ready to support your efforts and pray for fruitful discussions. As Ambassador Mike Huckabee once wrote to you, ‘You were ordained for such a time as this.’”
The appeal comes amid growing instability in Suwayda, where shortages of food, medicine, and fuel have worsened humanitarian conditions. Residents continue to call for accountability and protection following recent violence in the area.
Trump’s upcoming meeting with President al-Sharaa is expected to draw international attention, as humanitarian access and religious freedom remain key issues in Syria’s recovery and stability efforts.