Jewish Rabbi Runs for People’s Council Elections in Damascus

Syrian-American Rabbi Henry Youssef Hamra announced his candidacy for the People’s Council elections representing the Damascus district, becoming the first Jewish candidate since Syrian Jews were banned from running following the 1967 war.

Hamra is campaigning under the slogan “Towards a Prosperous, Tolerant, and Just Syria,” calling for the promotion of justice, the preservation of Syrian heritage, and efforts to lift international sanctions imposed on the country.

Observers see this step as a significant shift towards enhancing diversity in Syrian political life and encouraging minority participation in shaping the future. This candidacy comes as part of the first parliamentary elections since the fall of the previous regime, amid calls to promote inclusivity and broaden the political representation base.