WASHINGTON, D.C. — On March 18, 2026, the Western Syria Development Organization hosted a congressional briefing in the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the March 2025 massacre targeting Alawite and Christian communities in coastal Syria.
The briefing brought together Members of Congress, congressional staff, and leading human rights and foreign policy experts, alongside representatives of Syria’s Alawite, Christian, Druze, and Kurdish communities, as well as prominent Jewish human rights leaders. The discussion was grounded in the scale of the March 2025 atrocities, which killed thousands of Alawite and Christian civilians, displaced tens of thousands, and targeted religious and community institutions across coastal Syria.
The primary objective of the briefing was to place documented evidence and archival records of violations against Alawites, Christians, and other minority communities directly before international decision-makers, ensuring these abuses are formally recognized and acted upon.
The Western Syria Development Organization-sponsored and organized event focused on educating policymakers about the ongoing plight of minority communities, including continued reports of targeted killings, kidnappings, and trafficking of women, and on advancing a vision for a stable, inclusive, and peaceful Syria where all communities are protected. The Western Syria Development Organization extends its sincere gratitude to Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) for his moral clarity and leadership in sponsoring the briefing.
Key Speaker Highlights
Speakers represented a broad cross-section of Syrian communities and international experts, providing firsthand accounts and policy analysis:
• Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA) expressed concern over the current Syrian regime under Ahmed al-Sharaa, warning that attacks on minorities have intensified following the lifting of U.S. sanctions in December.
• Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) noted that his district is home to one of the largest Syrian diaspora populations in the United States and emphasized the importance of keeping Congress informed.
• Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, spiritual leader of the Alawites, spoke of brotherhood and urged Congress to protect vulnerable minorities, referencing the bombing of Mar Elias Church. He outlined key principles for Syria’s future: (1) fundamental political transformation; (2) a state governed by institutions and a consensual constitution; and (3) a decentralized political system within a comprehensive federal framework.
• Dr. Charles Jacobs, President of the International Freedom Coalition, highlighted the enslavement and abuse of minorities and women in Syria.
• Dr. Walid Phares, foreign policy expert, warned of ongoing jihadist attacks targeting Syria’s indigenous populations.
• Mr. Oudai Abouassaf, President of the Druze Global PAC, underscored the suffering of the Druze community.
• Mr. Tom Harb, co-chair of the American Mideast Coalition for Democracy, emphasized the continued persecution of Christians in Syria.
• Ms. Christina Abraham, Executive Director of the Ethnikos Association of Latakia-Antaradus, detailed research on attacks against Alawites and Christians, including the trafficking of women.
• Dr. Bryson Okeoma, Foreign Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, expressed solidarity with Syria’s minorities.
• Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi (Ret.) described the ongoing violence perpetrated by the Jolani (al-Sharaa) regime and highlighted the role of international protection.
• Inana Barakat, Director of the Anat Organization for Justice and Human Rights, delivered a harrowing testimony on the rise of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), documenting 3,500 extrajudicial killings and 100,000 displaced Alawites now in Lebanon.
Conclusion
The briefing elevated urgent concerns within Congress about escalating violence against minorities and underscored the need for sustained U.S. engagement on Syria.
“One year after the massacre, the message from this briefing is clear: the international community cannot look away,” said the President of the Western Syria Development Organization. “We brought together voices from across communities to ensure that these crimes are recognized and that concrete steps are taken to secure a just and lasting peace.”
The Western Syria Development Organization reiterated its call for an independent international investigation into the March 2025 massacre and a comprehensive political framework that safeguards the rights of all Syrians.