Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus
Damascus, Dec 30: A Jewish man who was detained in Syria on charges of selling stolen antiquities has been released after 20 days in prison, after authorities found no credible evidence to substantiate the allegations against him.
Salem Hamdani, a Jewish merchant from Damascus, was arrested on accusations of selling artefacts allegedly stolen from the National Museum in the Syrian capital. However, reports indicate that the case against him lacked concrete proof, leading to his release.
Confirming the development, Hamdani’s friend Joe Jajati said in a social media post that “justice has prevailed and the truth has been found.” He also praised the Syrian authorities for conducting what he described as a fair and transparent legal process. Jajati added that Hamdani was treated with “respect and dignity” during his detention, a claim later confirmed by Hamdani himself.
The incident had triggered concern within Syria’s small Jewish community, with apprehensions that the detention may have been linked to Hamdani’s religious identity rather than any genuine criminal activity. Ala al-Din Haroub, the official representative for Jewish community affairs, had earlier expressed confidence in the Syrian judicial system and said he was hopeful of a fair resolution.
While Hamdani has returned home and the case has been closed, Syrian authorities are yet to issue an official public statement outlining the reasons for dropping the charges.
Meanwhile, the issue of minority safety in Syria has drawn international attention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised concerns over alleged persecution of minorities during a press conference with US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Addressing questions on the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Syria’s new leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, Netanyahu said Israel’s priority was border security and protection of minorities. “We want a peaceful order with Syria. Our interest is to have secure borders, free of terrorism and attacks, and to ensure the safety of our friends — the Druze and other minorities in Syria,” he said.