At the Grand Umayyad Mosque in Old Damascus,

Canterbury-Bankstown Deputy Mayor Khodr Saleh has delivered a powerful message of unity and resilience to the local Syrian community following his Christmas visit to Damascus. Saleh praised Syria’s rich cultural and religious heritage, describing it as a treasure that must be preserved and celebrated.

Mount Qasioun, offering a panoramic view of Damascus.

He felt that Syria remains united and strong, saying, “From Bab Touma’s Historic Churches to the Umayyad Mosque and Sayyida Zainab Shrine, the Syrian People Are One”

He expressed hope for Syria’s future, stating, “Syria is being reborn from pain and suffering, with aspirations for equality, justice, and dignity for all.”

Mariamite Cathedral in Bab Sharqi adjacent to Umayyad Mosque in Old Damascus.

Saleh reassured the Syrian community in Canterbury-Bankstown that the nation is on a path to renewal, with the unity of its people—Muslims and Christians alike—remaining steadfast despite challenges.

The Grand Umayyad Mosque Pulpit.

The visit, from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 December began with stops at historic Christian landmarks in Old Damascus, including the Maronite and Orthodox communities’ churches dating back to the late 19th century.

With Metropolitan Arsanios Dahdal, Head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Damascus, at the Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East located in the Mariamite Cathedral in Bab Sharqi. Old City of Damascus.

Saleh offered Christmas greetings to Metropolitan Arsanios Dahdal, head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Damascus, at the Mariamite Cathedral in Bab Sharqi. He also visited Archbishop Samir Nassar, head of the Maronite Catholic Archdiocese of Damascus, at the historic St Anthony Maronite Cathedral in Bab Touma.

Souq al-Hamidiyyeh in the Old City of Damascus.

Saleh joined prayers at the Grand Umayyad Mosque, located near the Mariamite Church, before proceeding to the Sayyida Zainab Shrine in southern Damascus.

Sayyida Zainab Shrine in Southern Damascus.

During his visit, he also toured key landmarks, including Al-Hamidiyah Souq and Mount Qasioun, where he reflected on Syria’s enduring resilience and cultural richness.

This visit underscored Saleh’s commitment to celebrating Syria’s strength, diversity, and its people’s shared vision for freedom, justice, and unity.

Grand Umayyad Mosque in Old Damascus.

Damascus Sword Monument in the Umayyad Square.