Dear friends,
Many of you have asked for an update on the situation here, and we are very touched. The massacres that have taken place and continue to take place on the north-west coast of Syria, in the Alawite region where the former President’s family comes from, have absolutely no description. It is an outright crime against humanity, a genocide in the true sense of the word. How are the simple, very poor Alawite people responsible for the decades of Assad family rule? Shock, anger and fear are everywhere in the Latakia region and throughout the country. Where are we headed? Will no one defend these poor people who have no money, no power and no way of defending themselves? We implore you to pray and, insofar as you are able, to take action to stop this massacre, which is unworthy of humanity!
This morning we spoke to Sr Rima, Superior of the Apostolic Carmelites of St Joseph, in Latakia. She was crying on the phone. They have a hostel for students, most of whom are Alawites. The poor girls have gone mad with grief at the news of the massacre of their parents, brothers and sisters, friends, etc. In addition to everything is happening, the city of Latakia has been without electricity and water for five days. Here, too, deprivation is increasing.
This tragedy has provoked reactions and demonstrations in the country itself, but unfortunately these have very quickly degenerated into violence… And the government is not reacting. How much responsibility has the government for this tragedy?
In the Church, patriarchs and bishops have reacted in the strongest possible terms, calling on the government to stop the massacre and to really work towards the good and reconstruction of the whole country. Our Latin bishop, Mgr Jallouf, was particularly firm in his response. He knew the ‘Jehbat el nosra’ in Idlib well… And the different factions in the country (Druze, Kurds, Shiites, etc…) are also demonstrating, often in defence of the Alawites…
As with all disasters and revolutions, the country nevertheless witnessed some beautiful and heroic deeds. Among other examples, Sunni and Shia families have welcomed and protected Alawites.
Let us pray that the violence will stop and that the government will assume its responsibilities to work towards reconciliation, peace and the well-being of the country. And pray that the Christians, who are very upset, will remain confident and not leave their country… Thank you for your prayers and affection…. And a happy and holy Lent. Our Saviour Jesus is and always will be victorious through his offering and loving death on the Cross.
