In brief
Henry Hamra, a Syrian Jew, passionately describes his emotional return to his homeland post-civil war, as he and others lobby for policy changes in Washington.
In a surprising move, some Syrian Jews are advocating for sanctions relief for Syria's new government, recently established after the regime of Bashar al-Assad was toppled. This unusual alliance has emerged from those who fled the country decades ago, despite the government having historical ties to jihadist factions like Al-Qaeda. Henry Hamra, who left Damascus as a teenager, recently returned to Syria with his father, Rabbi Yosef Hamra, visiting significant historical sites that reflect their rich cultural heritage. They undertook this journey in February, aided by President Ahmed al-Shara's administration, a former rebel leader, to reconnect with their roots. However, the devastation caused by over 14 years of civil conflict and stringent U.S. sanctions has left many historical sites in ruins.Upset by the state of his ancestral land, Hamra voiced his concerns in Washington, noting that the sanctions are significantly obstructing recovery efforts. He mentioned that many ruins, including the Jobar synagogue and a notable cemetery, are crumbling and need urgent restoration. This dire situation has compelled the Hamras to join forces with Syrian American advocacy groups, which originally formed in opposition to the Assad regime, to lobby the U.S. government for a reconsideration of these sanctions.While advocating for easing U.S. sanctions, they face skepticism from various Jewish organizations, as well as pro-Israel lobbyists who emphasize that any policy shift should be contingent on the new government's commitment to demonstrable positive actions. Marshall Whittman, representing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, reiterated the need for a consistent positive behavior from the Syrian authorities before any sanctions relief is considered. With deep concerns about the future of their cultural heritage, the Hamras and their allies are determined to push for change, focusing on the importance of rebuilding a historically rich but currently shattered homeland.
