[Today’s Prayer] German Chancellor: “The civil war is over, so Syrian refugees must return… They could be deported”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “Since the Syrian civil war is over, Syrian refugees in Germany should return to their home country.” He even warned that they could face deportation if they do not.

According to Reuters on the 3rd (local time), during a visit to Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, Chancellor Merz stated, “Syrian refugees no longer have any reason to apply for asylum in Germany. I expect them to voluntarily return and participate in rebuilding their nation.” He added pressure by saying, “Those who refuse to return may face deportation in the near future.” He also mentioned plans to deport Syrians who have committed crimes or are staying illegally in Germany.

Currently, about one million Syrian refugees live in Germany—the largest number among European Union (EU) member states. This is the result of the inclusive refugee policy implemented under Chancellor Angela Merkel’s administration in 2015, which actively accepted refugees.

Merz’s remarks on refugees came amid ongoing debate within the coalition government. Previously, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Damascus, Syria, at the end of last month and said, “I have never seen nor imagined such a massive scale of destruction. It is impossible to live humanely,” expressing opposition to the early return of refugees.

In response, the centrist-conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) criticized Wadephul’s statement as ignoring the coalition agreement to pursue the repatriation of Syrian refugees.

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The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011 following anti-government protests during the Arab Spring, came to an end last December when dictator Bashar al-Assad was ousted. Currently, the Islamic rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led Assad’s removal, has appointed Ahmad al-Shara as acting president and head of the transitional government.

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Source: Nate News

Give thanks to Him who led His people out with a strong hand and outstretched arm, for His steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:12)

God, we hear the news that Chancellor Merz of Germany, the EU member state hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees, has urged the refugees to return to their homeland.

Although the Syrian civil war ended last December with the fall of the Assad regime, more than ten years of conflict have left Syria devastated, politically and economically unstable, causing refugees to fear returning home.

Lord, You know all the loneliness and suffering the Syrian refugees have endured as they fled their homeland and scattered far away amid the chaos of war. Have mercy on them, and in their uncertain future, make a way for them and lead them with Your strong hand and outstretched arm.

May the love of Jesus, who did not give up even on the one lost sheep while leaving the ninety-nine in the open field, be poured into the hearts of the Syrian refugees.

We believe that You, Lord, will go before the Syrian refugees who do not know where to turn, guiding them in Your way. Grant helping hands to aid their return, and send forth those who will proclaim the gospel of love throughout the world, so that the land of Syria—devastated by war—and the souls and bodies of the refugees may be restored through the Holy Spirit!

Let the Syrian people, whom You created with Your own hands, no longer live with the identity of refugees but stand firmly as citizens of the Kingdom of God, proclaiming Your name throughout the Arab world and the ends of the earth!

O Syria, a nation destined to be a blessing among the nations, exalt the great God and lead all peoples to the Lord!