Arab, Syrian in Argentina

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. Most Levant Arabs speak an Arabic language called Arabiya, with varying local dialects. Others speak an Arabic language known as Mashriqi. Like other Arabic peoples, the Syrians have their own dialect.
Syrian Arabs have a long history in Argentina dating back over 100 years. The first ones were street vendors, not farmers. More started arriving in 2014 when the Syrian Civil War intensified.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Syrian Arabs are well-established in Argentina. Syrians have established businesses and there has even been a Syrian Arab elected president. Some have been professional athletes, artists and teachers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Syrian Arabs in Argentina are usually Muslim, though there is a large traditional Christian population. Some have become Roman Catholic like the Argentine majority.

What Are Their Needs?

Syrian Arabs need the spiritual hunger it takes to decide to follow Christ with all their hearts.

Prayer Points

Pray for Syrian Arabs in Argentina to hunger for God’s Word.
Pray for them to join the Argentines who are finding their way to the cross.
Pray for Syrian Arabs to become missionaries to Argentina’s Muslim population.

Text Source:   Joshua Project