A Jewish man detained in Syria was freed after 20 days in prison, with Syrian authorities determining that the charges filed against him lacked valid evidence.
Salem Hamdani, a Jewish merchant from Damascus, was charged with allegedly selling antiquities stolen from Damascus’ National Museum – something that, according to Yeshiva World News, was done without concrete evidence.
Joe Jajati, a friend of Hamdani, confirmed the news in a social media post, writing that “justice has prevailed and the truth has been found.” The post also praised the Syrian government for pursuing a “fair and transparent legal process.”
Jajati assured that Hamdani was “treated with respect and dignity during his time in prison,” a fact that Hamdani confirmed during his 20-day detention.
Israel demands security, end to persecutions against minorities in Syria
The incident raised concerns among the small Jewish community in Syria, with many believing that Hamdani’s detention was due to his Jewish identity and not because of an actual criminal offense.
Ala al-Din Haroub, the official representative for Jewish community affairs, had expressed confidence in the Syrian justice system before the release and had looked forward to this outcome.
Despite the closure of the case and Hamdani’s return home, the Syrian authorities have yet to issue an official public statement detailing the decision to acquit him of any charges.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised this issue of minority persecution in Syria during a press conference alongside US President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
When asked about the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with the new Syrian government of Ahmed al-Sharaa, Netanyahu said that first there is a need to “establish border security.”
“Our interest is to have a peaceful order with Syria. We want the border to be safe, without terrorists and attacks. And we want to secure our friends, Druze, and other minorities in Syria.” Netanyahu said.