Arab, Syrian in Netherlands

Introduction / History

The Levant Arabs settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Each of these speaks a different form of the Arabic language.

Before the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, there were already 18 million Syrian Arabs in Diaspora. This earlier group was mainly comprised of people seeking economic opportunities, though there were also political refugees. Most of these people have financial and educational means. They are (to various degrees) assimilated into a different culture.

Most of the Syrian war refugees are in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey or Germany. They also live in dozens of other countries, including the Netherlands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Those who have taken refuge in the Netherlands must be able to prove there is a specific danger to them in Syria before they can remain in the country. As the government tightens restrictions, Syrian Arabs become more concerned about being deported.

Syrians will have to either learn the local language and start a new life there or return to Syria after the war ends. Meanwhile, Syrians in the Netherlands are trying to carve out a place for themselves economically and socially.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Syrian Arabs in the Netherlands are Shafiite Muslims or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. However, Syrian Arabs also have a strong Orthodox or Maronite Christian presence.

What Are Their Needs?

Recent Syrian refugees often face trauma. They suffer from survivor’s guilt and shame that they couldn’t stop the mayhem. Commonly they lost homes, friends and family members. Many need trauma counseling and people to help them get re-established in a new country.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving Christians to offer trauma counseling and other services to suffering Syrian Arabs.
Pray for the Lord to be the comforter for Syrians in the Netherlands.
Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Syrian Arabs the chance to embrace the only savior.
Pray for Syrian Arab Christians who will disciple others and teach them to do the same.
Pray for Syrian Arab family leaders to have dreams of the victorious and righteous Christ and share their experiences with many others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project