Arab, Syrian in Denmark

Introduction / History

The Assad family ruled Syria since 1971. Syrian Pres. Bashar al-Assad seemed like he might allow for more freedom, but censorship and surveillance continued to be the norm. Higher expectations came during the Arab Spring in the early 2010s and Syrians became dissatisfied with their government. The Sunni Muslim majority rebelled against the Assads, who are part of the minority Alawite religion. Demonstrations led to an all-out civil war in 2011. Refugees fled in record numbers, mainly to Europe.
They arrived in southern European countries like Greece, only to find that the poor economy would not sustain them. From there, Syrian Arab refugees fanned out to the north, especially to Germany and Sweden, two countries with pro-refugee policies. Others went to Belgium, Finland, Denmark, France, the UK, and other parts of northern Europe in the mid 2010s. Smaller numbers are arriving in the 2020s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Denmark leans towards offering asylum only as long as the refugees are in danger. They do not want refugees to settle. Syrians have a much higher crime rate in Denmark than the local population, which makes them unwelcome.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Syrians in Denmark might be part of the Alawite religion, an offshoot of Shia Islam. The majority are Sunni Muslim. There are also Christians among the Syrians. These Christians are usually Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox or Roman Catholic. There are a small number of Protestants as well.
Though there is more freedom of religion in Syria than most Arab majority country, the Syrians have found more freedom to choose their own spiritual answers in tolerant Denmark. People are far more likely to make spiritual changes when they arrive in a new situation than they are when they get settled.

What Are Their Needs?

Syrian Arabs in Denmark are in danger of deportation. Those who stay in low income neighborhoods are facing the possibility of their homes being demolished in the name of progress. It is becoming harder for Syrians to settle in Denmark. The government would like them to return to Syria as soon as it is safe.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive the Syrian churches, leading them to make disciples who make more disciples to follow Christ will all their hearts.
Pray for fellowships to be Christ centered rather than tradition centered.
Pray there will soon come a day when Syrian Arabs will send loving workers to the unreached people groups in Syria.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a discernment that will keep them away from spiritual counterfeits.

Text Source:   Joshua Project