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Father Fadi Azar, a Franciscan from the Custody of the Holy Land currently in Aleppo, was passing through Spain and spoke to the AIS Foundation about the reality in Syria almost two years after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The priest paints a bleak picture of the country, noting that crime has surged alongside widespread poverty, economic decline, and persistent inflation. Many former government employees and military personnel have been let go, leaving numerous young people and families without income. The breakdown in security has resulted in widespread kidnappings and looting by criminal organizations, prompting residents to install security measures in their homes—even going so far as to protect electricity and water meters from theft.

Over recent months, attacks and aggression against Syrian Christians have escalated, including the destruction of Christian cemeteries, hostile inscriptions against Christians on the walls of various churches, and radical Islamic groups touring communities urging Christians to convert to Islam. In June 2025, an attack also occurred on the Orthodox Church of St. Elijah in Damascus. Father Fadi states that all of this has been increasing fear among Christians and that insecurity, the economic situation, and growing discrimination are profoundly affecting the community, leading many to consider emigrating again.

Amid this adversity, the Church remains present with its people, with churches always open and welcoming everyone. Many parishes have medical dispensaries, distribute food, clothing and educational support. Father Fadi highlights that despite the attack in Damascus, the following day all the churches were full, demonstrating that the faith of Syrian Christians remains strong. "Our hope is only in God," the priest affirms, asking for prayers for Syria and encouraging support through the AIS Foundation, without which it would be impossible to continue.