Arab, Syrian in Jordan

Introduction / History

The Levant Arabs settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Each of these speaks a different form of the Arabic language.

Before the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, there were already 18 million Syrian Arabs in Diaspora. This earlier group was mainly comprised of people seeking economic opportunities, though there were also political refugees. Most of these people have financial and educational means. They are (to various degrees) assimilated into a different culture.

Most of the Syrian war refugees are in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey or Germany. They also live in dozens of other countries.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some Syrians have been in Jordan for generations. Among them are people who are in the government and royal family.

Others are refugees who had to flee for their lives from Syria’s Civil War between 2011-24. Most are settled in Jordanian cities. The Jordanian government is offering work permits to a large number of Syrians. This allows Syrians to earn a living without relying on aid or charity; it helps everyone. At one time, Syrians were only allowed to work in certain sectors. Allowing a greater number of job possibilities will help. Even then, Syrians in Jordan suffer from high unemployment. The situation is taxing Jordan, a country that relies heavily on foreign aid. Jobs and water are scarce, and Jordan cannot sustain a large number of outsiders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Syrian Arabs in Jordan are Shafiite Muslims or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. However, Syrian Arabs have also had a strong Orthodox or Maronite Christian presence.

What Are Their Needs?

Recent Syrian refugees often face trauma. They suffer from survivor’s guilt and shame that they couldn’t stop the mayhem. Commonly they lost homes, friends and family members. Many need trauma counseling and people to help them get re-established in a new country. They also face a high unemployment rate. To make matters worse, there is a lot of sexual violence against Syrian girls and women.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving Christians to offer trauma counseling and other services to suffering Syrian Arabs.
Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Syrian Arabs the chance to embrace the only savior.
Pray for Syrian Arab Christians who will disciple others and teach them to do the same.
Pray for Syrian Arab family leaders to have dreams of the victorious and righteous Christ and share their experiences with many others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project