In brief
Syrian Jews, led by Henry Hamra, are lobbying for the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria following the overthrow of the Assad regime. Their campaign aims to support reconstruction efforts in a war-torn nation, despite skepticism from various Jewish organizations and the broader community.
Henry Hamra, a Syrian Jew who left Damascus over 30 years ago, recently returned to Syria with his father, Rabbi Yosef Hamra, and other Jews to visit historically significant sites. This trip was made possible by the new government under President Ahmed al-Shara, a former rebel leader with controversial ties. Their return, however, unveiled the devastation caused by fourteen years of civil war and economic sanctions that crippled the country.The Hamra family, part of a prominent Brooklyn Syrian Jewish community, has joined forces with advocacy groups to urge the U.S. to lift sanctions against the new government. Their call for relief is not just about the past, but an appeal to rebuild and restore the Jewish heritage sites that now lay in ruins, such as the Jobar synagogue and an important cemetery in Damascus.The lobbying effort faces challenges, especially from other Jewish groups and pro-Israel organizations, who highlight the need for a consistent demonstration of positive actions from the Syrian leadership before any sanctions relief can be considered. Despite the complexities of diplomacy and historical sentiments, the Hamras hold hope for a better future for Syria and its remnants of Jewish culture.
