In the suburbs of Damascus, the Druze community, historically positioned within the political landscape of Syria, now finds itself battling increasing fears of sectarian violence and uncertainty about its future. The once-quiet residential area of Ashrafiyat Sahnaya transformed into a fearful battleground, as Lama al-Hassanieh barricaded herself in her bathroom during an outbreak of violence by armed groups shouting threats against her faith.
The Druze faith, rooted in an off-shoot of Shia Islam, has exposed its followers to the bitter realities of Syria's decade-long civil conflict. Traditionally contemplating loyalty to the Assad regime as a protective measure, countless Druze felt somewhat shielded from the sectarian strife that ravaged other communities. However, with a loss of Assad's control to Sunni Islamist-led factions, apprehension among the Druze about their future rises.
Intensifying hostilities against Druze inhabitants emerged after a series of incidents, including a leaked audio purportedly featuring a Druze leader making incendiary comments about the Prophet Muhammad. Despite later affirmations from the Syrian government declaring the recording a fabrication, the damage was irreversible, leading to violence and the tragic deaths of over 100 individuals in conflict.
Lama Zahereddine, a pharmacy student, vividly recounts the unleashing chaos in her village, leading to her and others fleeing for safety under cover of gunfire from militants wielding heavy artillery. Amidst this turmoil, the university atmosphere turned hostile with reports of assaults against students simply based on their Druze identity, resulting in further fears and mistrust among peers.
As the Syrian government maintains its narrative of responding to lawless elements, many Druze feel increasingly abandoned. Hadi Abou Hassoun, a local resident and volunteer, underscores their desire for protection through legal avenues rather than religious rhetoric as sectarian ideologies threaten to eclipse law in Syria.
Amid military strikes from Israel aimed at safeguarding Druze interests nearby, locals claim safety remains a fleeting concept. Despite the relative calm returning to Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, uncertainty looms over the community, with residents voicing concerns about their status as minorities and demanding equal rights and accountability for recent aggressions.
As trust continues to erode, many Druze like Lama al-Hassanieh find themselves questioning alliances and even their sense of identity amidst relentless strife. "Where is the justice?" she asks, longing for acknowledgment as rightful citizens of Syria, yearning to reclaim their place in a society now overshadowed by suspicion and danger.
The Druze faith, rooted in an off-shoot of Shia Islam, has exposed its followers to the bitter realities of Syria's decade-long civil conflict. Traditionally contemplating loyalty to the Assad regime as a protective measure, countless Druze felt somewhat shielded from the sectarian strife that ravaged other communities. However, with a loss of Assad's control to Sunni Islamist-led factions, apprehension among the Druze about their future rises.
Intensifying hostilities against Druze inhabitants emerged after a series of incidents, including a leaked audio purportedly featuring a Druze leader making incendiary comments about the Prophet Muhammad. Despite later affirmations from the Syrian government declaring the recording a fabrication, the damage was irreversible, leading to violence and the tragic deaths of over 100 individuals in conflict.
Lama Zahereddine, a pharmacy student, vividly recounts the unleashing chaos in her village, leading to her and others fleeing for safety under cover of gunfire from militants wielding heavy artillery. Amidst this turmoil, the university atmosphere turned hostile with reports of assaults against students simply based on their Druze identity, resulting in further fears and mistrust among peers.
As the Syrian government maintains its narrative of responding to lawless elements, many Druze feel increasingly abandoned. Hadi Abou Hassoun, a local resident and volunteer, underscores their desire for protection through legal avenues rather than religious rhetoric as sectarian ideologies threaten to eclipse law in Syria.
Amid military strikes from Israel aimed at safeguarding Druze interests nearby, locals claim safety remains a fleeting concept. Despite the relative calm returning to Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, uncertainty looms over the community, with residents voicing concerns about their status as minorities and demanding equal rights and accountability for recent aggressions.
As trust continues to erode, many Druze like Lama al-Hassanieh find themselves questioning alliances and even their sense of identity amidst relentless strife. "Where is the justice?" she asks, longing for acknowledgment as rightful citizens of Syria, yearning to reclaim their place in a society now overshadowed by suspicion and danger.
