Arab, Syrian in Panama

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.

A small number of Syrian Arabs live in Panama. Their ancestors came generations ago for business purposes.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Syrian Arabs tend to be businessmen. They do business with Christians and Jews. They work together and there is little or no conflict between them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Syrian Arabs in Panama 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 have also had a strong Orthodox or Maronite Christian presence.

What Are Their Needs?

Syrians in Panama are economically prosperous. Spiritually, they need to put Jesus at the center of their lives.

Prayer Points

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