Syria’s Christians | Erico Matias Tavares | LinkedIn
The world is witnessing the destruction of Syria, a country with a rich history going back millennia. But there is one significant minority that faces total annihilation if the radical factions prevail: Syria’s Christian community.
Syria has played a crucial role in Christianity right from its very start. Paul is said to have been converted on the road to Damascus. There are important Christian landmarks there, some built by pious saints and daring knights over centuries. Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, can still be heard in some parts of the country.
Most importantly, there are 1.8 million people – 10% of the population – of various Christian denominations who now live in constant fear. That community has played a leading role in Syrian society and economy, which is why their (limited) civil rights had always been protected by the ruling dictators.
That is all changing now. In areas taken over by the Islamic State and other hardliners, Christian men have been murdered or abducted with their wives and children held hostage. What is left of their communities must convert to Islam, pay a religious levy or face execution. The same has happened to other unfortunate Christians in Iraq, so the outcome is highly predictable.
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The owners are twin brothers, and at least two of their kids who work in the stores are also twins.
It's a trip when a customer makes an ignorant comment about Muslims. Especially when Christian icons are displayed in plain view behind the counter. 
We talk now and then about the situation in Syria, and as Christians they naturally are supporters of Assad.
