After a brief but intense wave of violence in Aleppo, life in Syria’s second‑largest city is slowly returning to normal. Yet beneath the surface, trauma lingers and deep psychological wounds remain, especially among the Christian community who once again found themselves caught in the crossfire.

Homes Damaged and Families Displaced

According to Marielle Boutros, who leads Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s Beirut office and oversees projects in Syria, many Christian families suffered significant losses during the recent clashes.

“Many Christian houses were burnt or otherwise damaged,” she explains. “We have around 25 homes completely destroyed and roughly 350 with minor, medium, or major damage. The Church is now assessing the situation to help families return and rebuild.”

Although neither side in the conflict targeted Christians directly, the fighting still left families homeless, traumatised, and grieving. Several civilians were killed or wounded during the clashes.

Life Resumes — But Trauma Lingers

While Aleppo’s streets are calm again, Boutros says the emotional impact is far from resolved.

“What is really affected is the psychology of the people — the fear, the trauma. This mini‑war brought back memories from the civil war, traumas that were hidden for a long time.”

This setback is especially painful because, just months earlier, she had witnessed a renewed sense of hope among Syrian Christians. At a December gathering of Christian charities, she saw people beginning to dream again, invest in their future, and rediscover love for their homeland.

Uncertainty Beyond Aleppo

Despite the return of daily life in Aleppo, the wider situation in Syria remains fragile. The Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces still control much of the northeast, and negotiations with the new government have stalled. Damascus forces are now moving toward major cities such as Al‑Hassakeh and Qamishli — both home to significant Christian communities.

“We have contacted the local bishops, and they are cautious, calling for prayer. I hope a truce will be signed and no more blood be shed,” Boutros says.

How ACN Is Supporting Christians in Syria

ACN continues to stand with the Christian community across Syria, especially in the northeast where tensions remain high. Current projects include:

  • support for summer camps that offer children a safe space to heal and play
  • Mass stipends to sustain local priests serving traumatised communities
  • financial aid for Christian schools, ensuring children can continue their education
  • reconstruction support for families whose homes were damaged in Aleppo

Through these initiatives, ACN works closely with local Church leaders to ensure help reaches those who need it most.

A Hope for Peace

For Boutros, the longing of the Syrian people is simple and universal:

“It’s time for Syria to turn the page on years of conflict. The Syrian people just want to live in peace.”

ACN remains committed to accompanying Syria’s Christian communities as they rebuild their homes, restore their dignity, and heal from years of trauma.