Brother Georges Sabe from Aleppo: “We rely on your prayers and human support”
Speaking by phone on Monday afternoon with the communications department of the Institute, Brother Georges Sabe confirmed that the entire Marist community in Aleppo, Syria, is safe. It seems that the military forces occupying the city since Friday, November 29, plan to establish a government to manage the city and integrate it into the area they already control, the Idlib district.
“I want to use the Institute’s channels to thank the entire Marist world because I know you are thinking of us and praying for us. This gives us great strength to continue bearing witness to the voice of Christ, despite all the darkness surrounding us. We rely on your prayers and the human support you are offering. That helps us,” Brother Georges emphasizes
Currently, there are no shootings, and the population was able to leave their homes starting at eight o’clock on Monday morning. There are also no power outages. “For now, the rebels maintain a peaceful attitude toward the population, especially toward Christians.” Unfortunately, since Friday, November 29, all services aimed at supporting the needy population have been suspended: “the distribution of milk for children, food for the elderly, educational projects… We do not know what will happen. We depend on the news and remain uncertain about how the situation will evolve”.
Despite this apparent calm, uncertainty has driven many people to leave the city. It is estimated that 25% of Christians have already left Aleppo.
The internet has not stopped functioning, allowing the Blue Marists to join together in a chain of solidarity. Brother Georges sends daily messages to the group, encouraging the Blue Marists to persevere with hope. On Sunday afternoon, at 6:00 p.m., the Christian community can participate in the Mass for the first Sunday of Advent. Additionally, every day at 8:30 p.m., the Marist community gathers to pray the rosary.
Brother Georges raised two concerns that highlight the instability of the situation. The Syrian government has decided to combat the rebel occupation through aviation, and aerial bombings pose a significant danger to the civilian population. Another source of tension is the uncertainty about what will happen next. The rebel group is currently fighting to capture Hama, a city of over 300,000 inhabitants located about 150 kilometers from Aleppo. This will likely lead to the rebels controlling a vast area of Syria.
Finally, Brother Georges highlighted the solidarity of Muslim families supported by the various Blue Marist projects. Some of these families have reached out to offer hospitality in their homes if needed. “You are our family. If you are afraid and wish to, our homes are open to welcome you,” these Muslim families say.