On March 27 and 28, 2025, the Aramean Federation in Switzerland conducted a significant visit to both federal and regional authorities in Switzerland. The purpose was to highlight the difficult situation faced by Christians in Syriaâparticularly the Syriac-Aramean communityâas well as to discuss integration issues and future humanitarian efforts.
On March 27, the delegation was received by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Bern. Archbishop Joseph Tobji of the Syro-Maronite Diocese in Aleppo participated alongside the Federationâs President Melki Toprak and Secretary Tony Urek. The meeting took place at the Federal Palace, where the delegation was welcomed by Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz. The discussions focused on the situation in Syria, the vulnerability of the Christian population, and the specific needs of the Aramean minority.
The following day, March 28, the delegation continued its work with a visit to the government of the Canton of Ticino. The meeting was held at the Orseline Palace in Bellinzona, where the delegation was received by State President Christian Vitta, Raffaele De Rosa, and the President of the Grand Council, Michele Guerra. The dialogue deepened around the plight of Christians in Syria, with a particular emphasis on the Syriac-Aramean community.
In addition to the powerful testimony of the Archbishop, the discussions also addressed asylum policy and the alarming risk of forced returns for asylum seekers if the international community continues to overlook the ongoing atrocities in the region.
The delegation also highlighted how Syriac-Arameans who fled Syria over a decade ago have successfully integrated into Swiss society. Through concrete examples, they demonstrated how families, young graduates, and professionals are now contributing to Switzerland both economically and socially.
A particularly serious and urgent matter raised was the kidnapping of Suleiman Khalilâthe Christian former mayor of the historic town of Sadadâwho was arrested on February 8, 2025, by security forces from the Syrian Transitional Government (HTS). Since then, no information has been received about his whereabouts. The Swiss federal authority pledged to do its utmost to bring international attention to the case.
The humanitarian projects led by the Aramean Federation and the Syro-Maronite Diocese were well received by the authorities and will be evaluated for the possibility of targeted support for the community in question.
Finally, the importance of securing the recognition of Aramean identity and language in a future Syrian constitution was emphasizedâa crucial step in protecting minorities and avoiding the same fate that befell Christian communities in Iraq.
