The Terra Santa College in Aleppo, run by the Franciscan order, was hit by an airstrike on Sunday, December 1, marking a grim start to the Advent season in Syria’s largest city. The attack sent waves of panic through the local population, though no casualties were reported.
The strike comes as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group often linked to al-Qaeda, has extended its control in northern Syria. The group, formed in 2017 from a merger of several factions including Jabhat al-Nusra, has launched several offensives, including a significant assault last week on Syrian government positions in western Aleppo.
In response to the attack, the custos of the Holy Land reassured the public, stating that the friars and local faithful were “all well” and called for prayers for peace in Syria.
Christian leaders in Aleppo, including the Syriac Orthodox Bishop Mor Boutros Kassis, have maintained close contact and reaffirmed their commitment to stay in the city. Kassis encouraged his parishioners to face the challenging circumstances with faith and courage. His diocese has also prepared to host refugees from surrounding areas.
Similarly, Maronite Archbishop Joseph Tobji and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ephrem Maalouli emphasized the importance of prayer, calm, and patience during these turbulent times.
Franciscan Father Bahjat Karakach, leader of the Latin Church in Aleppo, urged calm, stating there was no reason for panic. He reminded parishioners that decisions to stay or leave the city are personal and should be made carefully.
“The Church knows no more than the people do. The decision to stay or leave Aleppo is a personal choice, and no one can make it on behalf of another. We friars are staying and waiting to see how things unfold,” Karakach said.
The Middle East Council of Churches has called on policymakers to ensure the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law. As jihadist factions advance, local Christian towns remain under threat, but have yet to be overrun.
