Renewed Connections: Syrian Jews Advocate for Sanctions Relief

Amidst the political shift in Syria following the civil war, members of the Syrian Jewish community are advocating for the removal of U.S. sanctions on the new government. Despite facing challenges from within the Jewish community, they emphasize the need for economic revival and restoration of cultural heritage.

After decades of separation due to political turmoil, some Jewish individuals who fled Syria are seeking reconciliation with their homeland. Henry Hamra, a notable member of the Syrian Jewish community, returned to Syria with his father, Rabbi Yosef Hamra, to visit significant historical sites after the recent establishment of a new government led by President Ahmed al-Shara, a leader with previous rebel affiliations.

The visit, intended to reconnect with Syria's rich Jewish heritage, was mixed with emotions. Both men were disheartened to find that many of the locations they cherished remained in ruins, ravaged by the years of civil conflict and a series of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other nations. “The sanctions are preventing essential recovery work,” stated Hamra, expressing his desire to rehabilitate the historic sites, including the Jobar synagogue and a cemetery with roots spanning several centuries.

In Washington, the Hamras have been working alongside Syrian American advocacy groups, initially formed to oppose the Assad regime, to advocate for lifting economic sanctions that they believe hinder recovery efforts in Syria. This outreach has positioned them as unique representatives for a distinct perspective on the current government, which faces skepticism from many factions, including some within the Jewish community and pro-Israel organizations.

Marshall Whittman of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) emphasized caution, stressing that any potential policy change regarding sanctions would need to be contingent upon the new Syrian government's demonstrable positive transformation and actions. As the historical ties between the Syrian Jewish community and their homeland continue to unfold, the balance of nostalgia, hope, and political realities presents a complex pathway forward.