Attack on Place of Worship Sparks Outrage
Damascus, June 2025

Tragedy Strikes the Heart of the Community

A shocking attack has struck St. Elias Church of the Greek Orthodox community in Al-Dweilaa, Damascus. During evening prayers, a bombing claimed the lives of nine civilians and injured many more, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior.

Emergency Response and National Mourning

Medical and civil defence teams responded rapidly, transporting the injured to hospitals amid scenes of profound sorrow and outrage. No group has claimed responsibility at the time of this report.

Violation of Humanitarian and Religious Norms

This assault stands as one of the gravest attacks on a place of worship in recent Syrian history, threatening the country’s tradition of diversity and peaceful coexistence.

Civil society organisations condemned the bombing unequivocally, urging:

• Protection of religious sites
• Accountability for perpetrators
• Enhanced civilian protection measures

They also expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a swift recovery.

Mercy to the souls of the martyrs, and patience and comfort to their families.
No to terrorism… Yes to peace.

Author:
Ahmed Mowas, IHRC Press Journalist

The post 🟢 Bombing of St. Elias Church in Damascus — A Crime Against Innocents first appeared on ihrc.news.

2,000 Trees to Be Planted Along Damascus–Aleppo Highway
Maarrat al-Numan, June 2025

Planting Seeds of Hope

In an inspiring demonstration of solidarity and hope, Syrian civil society organisations have launched the “A Tree for Syria” initiative, targeting the planting of 2,000 trees along the Damascus–Aleppo highway near Maarrat al-Numan. This marks the first step in a broader national campaign to plant two million trees countrywide.

Key Organisations Participating:

• Violet Organization
• Taaluf Humanitaire International Organization
• Sedad Humanitarian Organization
• Impact Makers Network
• Rural Development Association
• Manarat Al-Hayat Association

Reviving Nature and Community

The campaign seeks to:

• Restore vegetation cover in areas ravaged by conflict, fire, and desertification
• Improve air quality and food security
• Support environmental and social stability

Organisers emphasise:

“Agriculture is a message of life. Rebuilding Syria starts by planting hope before rebuilding infrastructure.”

The initiative has received strong support from local communities and volunteers, with growing calls to expand into other provinces.

Author:
Ahmed Mowas, IHRC Press Journalist

The post 🟢 “A Tree for Syria” — Civil Society Unites for Environmental Renewal first appeared on ihrc.news.