Arab, Syrian in West Bank / Gaza
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: | West Bank / Gaza |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 16,000 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 5.00 % |
| 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
Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula are considered to be the original Arabs. The Arabian culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert for many centuries. It was also from there that Arab migrations began, eventually leading to the expansion of the Arab world starting with the Levant.
"Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. The Arabs originally 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. Most Levant Arabs speak an Arabic language called Arabiya, with varying local dialects. Like Arabs in other parts of the greater Arab world, the Syrians have their own dialect of Arabiya. In the West Bank and Gaza they must learn a different dialect of Arabic.
What Are Their Lives Like?
There are few Syrians in the West Bank or Gaza because the economy is a mess. The local people are scrambling to find the few available jobs, even those that don't pay well. There are exceptions, however, but most of these people are ones with desirable skills.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Syrian Arabs are Shafiite Muslim or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. There is a sizable traditional Christian minority among them as well.
What Are Their Needs?
Syrian Arabs the West Bank and Gaza need the chance to get their lives back and lead productive lives. This will mean they need educational opportunities and the chance to earn a living. That is seldom possible in that land where the economy is in ruins.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord's blessing of Syrian Arabs spiritually and psychologically.
Pray for Syrian Arab believers to be blessed with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit in such a way they can reach out to the others who suffer from psychological trauma and loss.
Pray for Syrian Arabs to be open to the blessings of Jesus Christ and his way of salvation through grace.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Syrian Arabs wherever they live.