Almost 100 faith leaders urge Trump to step up pressure on Syria's president over humanitarian aid

Almost 100 faith leaders wrote to President Trump urging him to put pressure on Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa not to block humanitarian aid to Christians and Druze in southern Syria.

"With the visit of Syria's new President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, scheduled for November 10, 2025, we urge you to address directly the massacre of Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites in Syria, notably in the greater Suwayda area. These religious minorities face ongoing violence, death, displacement, starvation, and water and medical deprivation, all while innocent women and children are held hostage by ISIS terrorists," the letter read.

The group of faith leaders said they are "grateful" for the administration’s recent announcement that humanitarian aid to southern Syria would be sped up. 

They said that "more needs to be done to prevent the impending catastrophe" as winter approaches.

"Mr. President, we respectfully request that you secure President al-Sharaa's commitment to opening a secure humanitarian corridor from Hader to Suwayda in southern Syria. This corridor will enable safe and secure aid delivery and civilian evacuation, signaling the new government's commitment to minority rights and stability. Your advocacy for the persecuted inspires us. We stand ready to support your efforts," the letter read.

The faith leaders said they collectively represent "tens of millions of American Christians." 

They extended their "sincere gratitude for your recent leadership in combating Christian persecution in Nigeria."

"Your designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act is a decisive measure that upholds global religious liberty," read the letter. "You are the only major world leader fighting for religious freedom, and we need you once again to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."