Levantine Greeks Brief European Parliament on the Plight of Syrian Christians

The primary objective of the Levantine Greek delegation’s visit to Strasbourg and the European Parliament was to highlight the dire situation of Christians under the rule of Syria’s Islamist interim president, Abu Mohammad al-Julani, in Damascus.

The delegation emphasized that Julani, a former Al-Qaeda operative, maintains deep-seated sympathies for both his former organization and ISIS—even as Europe appears willing to engage with him as a president-in-waiting.

Despite lacking any electoral mandate, Julani wields power through a regime that systematically marginalizes and eliminates minorities via his so-called “new army,” a force largely comprised of former Mujahideen.

Regional Instability and the Crisis in Lebanon

The discussions also pivoted to the escalating crisis in Lebanon. Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Christian populations have been enduring targets of systemic pressure: first through the policy of “Arabization,” subsequently under the totalitarian Assad regime, and now under the rising threat of Islamism.

Today, Syria functions effectively as an Islamic dictatorship—a status reflected in its Constitution—while Lebanon is seen as sliding toward a similar fate.

In this context, it was argued that while independence is a positive principle in theory, the historical withdrawal of France from the region is now viewed as a strategic and historical error for the Levant.

Landmark Meeting at the European Parliament

November 27, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the Levantine Greek Association (LGA).

At the invitation of French MEP Thierry Mariani, a special session dedicated to the Christians of the East was convened within the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The session was attended by 18 MEPs from various EU member states. Key addresses were delivered by:

Mr. Raphael Michel Issa, President and founder of the LGA.

Mr. Antonios Habib Saloume, Coordinator of the LGA.

The Association’s representatives outlined the urgent demands of Christian youth in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically within the Syrian Arab Republic.

They expressed their hope that their positions would find a meaningful resonance within European decision-making centers.

The formal session was preceded by a working dinner in honor of the LGA members, held on the evening of November 26 at the Hilton Hotel in Strasbourg.