A Christian town in Syria keeps the biblical language of Aramaic alive. But it fears for its future

Church bells rang in Maaloula, Syria, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is spoken, and residents fear for their future after Assad’s fall, citing looting and harassment of their religious minority. Despite previous conflicts, Christians and Muslims lived in peace until recent acts of vandalism and violence, prompting the clergy to seek protection from Syria’s new leaders and to preserve their heritage and language. Residents hope for increased security and support, with efforts to pass down traditions and teach Aramaic to future generations amidst the town’s lingering scars of war.

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