Arab, Syrian in Sweden
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Arab, Syrian |
| Country: | Sweden |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 30,000 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 6.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Syrians are among the Levant Arabs who originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. Today, several hundred thousand Levant Arabs live along the northern edges of the Arabian Desert. 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. The Syrians have been dealing with a seemingly endless civil war in the 21st century, and as a result, tens of thousands have moved to other parts of the world like Sweden.
Where Are they Located?
There is a large number of Arab refugees living in Malmo, Sweden.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most Syrians have a hard time feeling at home with Swedish weather and culture. There is a huge culture gap. Syrians are a communal people, and many Swedes live alone or with one or two others, not with extended family. Swedes do not go to the marketplaces to socialize. Swedes are not accustomed to hospitality or talking with strangers. For these and other reasons, many Syrians face stress in adjustment and hope to return to their homeland once the crisis has passed. Sweden has a proud history of welcoming refugees, and the 2010s were very difficult for Syrians. Syrian Arab refugees in Sweden are still trying to learn English and Swedish, all the while get re-established economically with employment. Fortunately, both Muslims and Christians in Sweden are reaching out to them to help with physical needs as new refugees arrive.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Syria is religiously diverse. There are Druze, and both Sunni and Shia Muslims in their country. Within the Shia, there are the politically powerful Alawites and Twelvers. Syria also has a high percentage of traditional Christians who are well represented in Sweden.
What Are Their Needs?
The Syrian Arabs need training in job and language skills so they can get re-established. Many need trauma counseling after what they experienced in Syria. Any follower of Christ who reached out to them with these skills would be welcome.
Prayer Points
Pray that Syrian Arabs in Sweden will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driving by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them long term. Pray for a disciple making movement among Syrian Arabs to begin this decade.