Demonstrations erupted in several Christian neighborhoods of Damascus and other parts of Syria on Monday demanding protection for Christians in response to the arson of a Christmas tree near Hama, amid ongoing Christmas holiday celebrations.

The protests followed the circulation of a viral footage on social media, which depicted hooded individuals setting fire to an artificial Christmas tree in the town square of Suqaylabiyah, a predominantly Christian community. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims that the militants who burned the tree were Uzbek fighters, affiliated with the Ansar al-Tawhid group.

The protests occurred shortly after an armed coalition, primarily composed of Islamist groups, overthrew the government of Bashar al-Assad, who had presented himself as a protector of minorities in the predominantly Sunni nation.

Demonstrators, chanting against sectarianism, marched through the capital city towards churches, demanding enhanced protection for the Christian community. One protester, Georges, voiced his concerns to AFD, emphasizing,

If we’re not allowed to live our Christian faith in our country, as we used to, then we don’t belong here anymore

Officials from Hayat Tahir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that now controls Damascus, issued a statement promising severe punishment and and pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice. They also said they would replace the destroyed tree. These statements were echoed in a separate video shared on social media. also an individual expressed solidarity with the Christian community by holding up a cross.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s address in mid-December centered on safeguarding Syria’s Christian heritage and cultural legacy. The Patriarchate urged all political leaders to prioritize the protection of human life, safety, and historical sites.

Syria’s Christian population has plummeted from 1.5 million (10 percent of population) pre-civil war to around 300,000 today. The community is concentrated in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Hasaka, with most followers belonging to Eastern Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, and Melkite Greek Catholic churches.