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Henry Hamra Becomes First Jewish Candidate for Syria’s New Parliament in Decades

The bid unfolds under an indirect selection system that has drawn criticism over limited popular choice.

Overview

  • Syria’s electoral commission confirmed Hamra as an official candidate, with campaign posters photographed in Damascus’ Old City.
  • If selected, he would be the first Jewish representative in the legislature since the 1940s, with 1947 cited as the last election of a Jewish MP.
  • The 210-seat assembly is set to be filled mostly by local committees with the remainder nominated by President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, and the vote is scheduled for October 5.
  • Hamra’s campaign materials emphasize tolerance and cultural preservation, and he has pledged to mobilize expatriates to press for lifting U.S. Caesar Act sanctions.
  • The candidacy follows gestures by the new authorities toward Syrian Jews, including property protection pledges, meetings at the UN General Assembly, and a February synagogue visit by Hamra and his father.