In this intriguing discussion, WORLD correspondent Caleb Weldy shares his experiences reporting in northeast Syria. He introduces Hawler Sheikhe, a Syrian woman whose life was upended at just 13 when ISIS invaded. Hawler recounts her harrowing escape from terror and her inspiring journey to faith in Christ. The conversation also sheds light on the brutal impact of ISIS and the courage needed to reclaim one's identity amidst chaos. Their stories weave a powerful narrative of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.
The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by HTS has created a power vacuum, heightening sectarian tensions and potential violence in Syria.
Hawler Sheikhe's journey from fleeing ISIS to her courageous Christian conversion illustrates the struggles and resilience of religious minorities in conflict zones.
Deep dives
The Overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and Its Aftermath
The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahir Al-Sham (HTS) marked a pivotal moment in Syria's tumultuous history. Celebrations erupted across the country as the regime, which ruled through oppression for over five decades, finally fell. However, the power vacuum left in the wake of Assad's departure has led to concerns about ongoing chaos and violence, with various factions, including Arabs, Turks, Kurds, and remnants of ISIS, vying for control. Analysts warn that without a unifying enemy, the existing sectarian divisions pose serious threats to religious minorities and could escalate tensions further across the Middle East, especially impacting groups like Christians who are particularly vulnerable in this volatile environment.
The Story of Hauler Saeed Sheke
Hauler Saeed Sheke's experience highlights the harrowing reality many faced under ISIS control in Eastern Syria. At only 13 years old when ISIS overtook her town in 2014, Hauler's family, already marginalized due to their Kurdish heritage and moderate Islamic beliefs, was plunged into chaos after her father disappeared amidst the rising violence. The brutality of ISIS forced her family to flee to Iraq, where they faced hardships while maintaining hope for her father's return. Ultimately, Hauler's journey led to her conversion to Christianity and a desire to help others, despite the significant risks associated with her faith in a region hostile to religious minorities.
Hauler's Dangerous Return to Syria
Hauler's decision to return to Syria presented formidable challenges, especially considering the threats from her own uncle, who had previously sent attackers after her family due to their Christian faith. Despite her mother’s fears, Hauler felt called to witness to her family and faced potential violence upon her return. Engaging with her uncle, she boldly shared her beliefs, emphasizing the importance of Jesus in her life, which led to a tense confrontation where he threatened her with a knife. Ultimately, her visit ended without physical harm, leading Hauler to reflect on her faith and the immense courage it took to confront her family's deep-seated beliefs in the midst of a continuing conflict.
On December 8 the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, overthrew the brutal government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. There’s a new regime in Damascus, but in northeast Syria a lot remains the same. It’s still one of the most chaotic places in the world. WORLD correspondent Caleb Welde traveled around the region in November of 2023 with the Free Burma Rangers. That’s a Christian aid group working in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones.
This is the first of two episodes based on Caleb’s reporting last year. Today Caleb will tell us the story of a Syrian woman named Hawler Sheikhe. She was 13 years old when ISIS roared into Syria in 2014. But when ISIS forced her to flee her home, she found herself on a journey that would eventually lead her to Christ– and beatings, bombings, and death threats.