Introduction / History

The Levant Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. Today, several hundred thousand Levant Arabs live along the northern edges of the Arabian Desert. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Though they can communicate using a common Arabic language, there are cultural and historical differences between these groups.

Where Are they Located?

The Syrians have faced a deadly civil war in the 2010s, and tens of thousands have fled as refugees to Western countries like Canada.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Almost all Syrians in Canada have arrived in the 21st century and about half of these are under 18 years of age. There are two broad categories of Syrian refugees in Canada. The first are privately sponsored, and they tend to have more money and education than the ones who are government sponsored. The latter are much more likely to be in Canada for humanitarian reasons. Since so many of them are young, a high priority for them is to get an education and learn English and French, Canada's two trade languages. Syrian adults would love to get jobs and get back on their feet financially. Because of the horrific things they have experienced in Syria many need trauma counseling. Syrian Arabs live, not surprisingly, in Canada's three large cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. There are more of them in second-level cities as well.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Syria has more religious diversity that most parts of the Arab world. Though most are either Sunni or Shia Muslims, there are also Druze among them, an offshoot of Islam. Within the Shia denomination there are the politically and economically powerful Alawites along with the Ismailis and Twelvers. There are also traditional Christians among the Syrians, and they are well-represented in Canada and other Western nations.

What Are Their Needs?

The Syrian Arabs migrated to Canada in the 2010s, and they still have physical needs. Most need help in learning English and obtaining career professions. Any follower of Christ who reached out to them with these skills would be welcome.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Syrian Arabs in Canada will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driving by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a disciple making movement among them to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Syrian in Canada.