In brief
After decades away, Syrian Jews like Henry Hamra are advocating for sanctions relief for the new government of Syria, hoping to revive their homeland's rich history despite concerns from other Jewish groups.
In a surprising twist, former Syrian Jews, who fled their homeland decades ago, are advocating for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria's new government. Henry Hamra, a Syrian Jew who left Damascus as a teenager, returned recently with his father, Rabbi Yosef Hamra, to revisit the ancient Jewish sites that hold centuries of history. With the Assad regime now toppled, the new government led by President Ahmed al-Shara—once a rebel with Islamist affiliations—facilitated their visit, sparking a mixture of hope and heartbreak. Fourteen years of civil war and stringent financial restrictions have left Syria’s cultural landmarks, such as the Jobar synagogue, in ruins. “There's a lot of work that has to be done,” Mr. Hamra emphasized during a meeting with lawmaker Jimmy Panetta, underscoring that sanctions are a major barrier to reconstruction. The Hamra family, significant figures within Brooklyn’s Syrian Jewish community, are collaborating with advocacy groups to lobby the U.S. for sanctions relief, framing their plea as a means to revitalize their homeland.However, caution persists within the Jewish community. A spokesperson for the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee highlighted that any potential policy change should be contingent on the new government demonstrating consistent positive behavior. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the yearning for home continues to drive the conversation.
