After years of conflict and ongoing instability, Aleppo remains a city marked by hardship—but also by remarkable resilience. In this challenging environment, the Jesuit community has become a small but vibrant point of light: a home where young people, students, scouts, and seekers of all backgrounds gather to learn, pray, and rebuild trust. Over the past months, a renewed Jesuit team has been breathing fresh life into this mission, expanding educational initiatives, strengthening spiritual accompaniment, and opening cultural spaces where creativity can flourish again.

The following article offers a glimpse into this daily life at the Jesuit residence in Aleppo—an evening full of movement, laughter, prayer, and hope—and explores how a young community of Jesuits is helping new life take root at the heart of the city.

Aleppo, Saturday evening. Within the venerable walls of the Jesuit community, life is stirring in every corner. A group of friends arrives early for the weekly movie night and settles into the central garden, where students pause their studies to speak with Frère Julian about life, faith, and the challenges of growing up in today’s Syria. Two girls hurry up the broad spiral staircase, late for their English class. Not long after, twenty Girl Scouts file in with their leaders—they will celebrate Mass with Fr. Gerry as part of their weekly gathering. One floor above, the leadership team of the Boy Scouts meets with Fr. Fouad to prepare upcoming activities.

Scenes like this have become characteristic of the apostolate we are rebuilding here in Aleppo—an early fruit of the energy and hope invested over the past months.

A Renewed Community for a Renewed Mission

Since June, our Jesuit community in Aleppo has undergone an important transition. Brother Michael, after decades of faithful service in Syria, has been missioned to Taanayel. Meanwhile, two younger Jesuits have arrived: Fr. Gerry returned from Austria following his ordination this summer, and Frère Julian began his regency in Aleppo. Together as a young team, we continue the remarkable legacy handed on to us, while also giving some apostolates new direction and exploring fresh initiatives.

In a city where Syria’s political transition began just a year ago, our mission is shaped by a simple guiding question: What can we Jesuits contribute to Syrian society today, rooted in Ignatian spirituality and our commitment to faith, justice, and reconciliation?

Three Pillars of Our Apostolate

1. Academic Formation

Our academic center has launched a new collaboration with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), making it possible for participants to study English, pedagogy, business administration, and several other fields. Inspired by Ignatian values, we strive to unite academic excellence with social responsibility and personal growth.

2. Spiritual Accompaniment

We accompany two Scout groups, celebrate daily Mass, and support both the CVX community and several meditation circles. These spaces of shared prayer and discernment help anchor people amid the uncertainties of daily life in Syria.

3. Arts and Cultural Life

Through drawing workshops, reading circles, cinema clubs, and other artistic initiatives, we aim to create spaces for expression—places where people of every background can articulate their hopes for their future and for the country. The arts open a path toward healing, dialogue, and renewed imagination.

A Home Where Hope Grows

The situation in Syria remains challenging, both economically and in terms of security. In this context, our priority is simple yet demanding: to keep our doors open, to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds, and to offer a space where they can learn, pray, express themselves, and rebuild community.

On evenings like this one—where laughter in the garden mingles with prayer in the chapel and the footsteps of students echo through the staircase—we glimpse the heart of our mission:
to nurture a home where new life can take root in Aleppo.