Today in Syria, in the cities of Homs, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus, citizens took to the streets to protest against the abhorrent actions carried out by the terrorist organization HTS. Unfortunately, these protests, despite their peaceful intent, were brutally suppressed; shots were fired at the crowd, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
The treacherous attack, carried out by groups affiliated with HTS, on the mausoleum of our Master Hussein bin Hamdan Al-Khasibi has caused us profound shock and great sorrow. Hussein bin Hamdan Al-Khasibi was not only a significant scholar for Alawites but also a symbol of peace and sanctity for all humankind. Throughout history, he fostered peace among different communities and denominations, offering exemplary leadership. The fact that his mausoleum was set on fire, five staff members working there were killed, and their bodies desecrated is a crime that targets not only Alawites but humanity as a whole. These acts represent an overt attack on the sacred values of our faith and a contempt for human dignity.
These assaults clearly demonstrate the historical hostility and hatred that HTS and other terrorist organizations harbor against Alawites. Salafist-jihadist groups deliberately target Alawites and violate this community’s sanctities, inciting the public. This constitutes an unacceptable insult not only to one group but also to the religious and spiritual values of the entire society.
In his time, our Al-Khasibi was an eminent scholar who brought together various factions and communities, enabling them to live in peace. His legacy stands as an example of peace, love, and coexistence.
Today, the attacks are not confined to the mausoleum of Al-Khasibi but also extend to other sacred sites of Alawites. Historical tekkes, tombs, and pilgrimage sites—symbols of our faith—have been looted, destroyed, and desecrated. We condemn these heinous acts in the strongest terms.
We, the Federation of Alawites in Europe, declare the following:
1. We emphasize that we stand with the Syrian people and express our solidarity in the face of these atrocities.
2. We declare that the attacks on the mausoleum of our Master Hussein bin Hamdan Al-Khasibi and on other sacred sites are an unacceptable affront to the identity and sacred values of a community.
3. We call on all international and regional institutions to take action to protect these sacred sites, ensure the safety of civilians, and bring those responsible for these crimes against humanity to justice.
4. We demand an immediate investigation into these crimes against humanity in accordance with international law. We underscore the urgent need to safeguard these sacred places, protect civilians, and enhance security in the region.
What is happening in Syria today is not only a test for one community but also a test of humanity’s shared conscience. We extend our wishes for patience and resilience to our Alawite brothers and sisters in Syria during these difficult times. We believe that unity and solidarity are the keys to overcoming this darkness. We trust that oppression will soon yield to justice and that darkness will soon be replaced by peace. Remaining silent would amount to tacit approval of these atrocities. We call upon all who believe in peace and justice to stand united in the face of these dark days.
Federation of Alawites in Europe
