Henry Hamra’s emotional return to Syria after over 30 years reveals the toll of civil war and economic restrictions on the country's historical Jewish sites. His recent journey, supported by the new Syrian government, aimed to reconnect with his heritage but disclosed the decay of significant landmarks, prompting him and his family to campaign for the lifting of U.S. sanctions. They hope to engage American officials through their experience to foster restoration efforts in the war-torn nation and revive its rich Jewish history.
Mr. Hamra expressed his longstanding desire to return home, sharing a hopeful but heartbreaking visit to Syria after 30 years of war and upheaval.
The sites the Hamras hoped to see were devastated, with Mr. Hamra noting, 'There's a lot of work that has to be done... the only thing that's stopping is the sanctions.'
The return sparked renewed advocacy by the Hamra family and Syrian American groups urging the U.S. to reconsider sanctions against Syria's new government.
Marshall Whittman emphasized that any change in U.S. policy would hinge upon consistent positive actions from President Ahmed al-Shara's government.
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