Jewish woman, 92, dies in Damascus, leaving only 8 Jews in Syria | CPT PPP Coverage

Sittah, who died a few days earlier, had no descendants. Her death leaves just eight Jewish individuals in Syria, all elderly, marking the dwindling presence of a once-thriving community.

In a special statement, the Chief Rabbinate expressed condolences to Sittah’s sister, Rosa Sittah, a resident of Damascus, and the rest of the family. “May God comfort you, and may you know no more sorrow,” the statement read.

The rabbinate also issued a call to Syrian Jewish in Israel and around the world to honor her memory. “We ask all those of Syrian origin to learn and pray for the elevation of the soul of Hadiya, daughter of Fahima, of blessed memory.”

Israel’s Chief Rabbi of Syrian Jewish Rabbi Binyamin Hamra urged Jewish worldwide to recite Psalms and pray for her soul, regardless of where they reside.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Syria’s Jewish community numbered approximately 100,000 people. However, following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the community faced increasing restrictions and tensions, leading to mass emigration to Israel, the United States and other countries.

Today, only eight elderly Jewish remain in Syria, with predictions suggesting the country will have no Jewish population within a few years.