George Ishoh, a Syriac-Aramean goldsmith from Hasakah in northeastern Syria, is the latest victim of escalating lawlessness, religious fanaticism, and the collapse of security in the country.
He was brutally shot and killed by masked men outside his home after refusing to pay the jizya—a religious tax that Christians in the region are increasingly being forced to pay.
According to several relatives, George, a father of two, had been given a clear ultimatum: convert to Islam or pay the tax as a Christian. He refused both options—and that became his death sentence. George was shot in the head just outside his home and died shortly thereafter at the hospital. The perpetrators fled the scene, and George was alone at home at the time of the attack.
This is not an isolated incident. Christians and other minorities are being threatened, attacked, and in some cases murdered for their faith. The situation continues to deteriorate, and similar cases have become a tragic part of everyday life in Syria—a reality that rarely receives any attention in international media.
The latest in this series of attacks was the bombing of the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, which once again triggered demands for the Syrian authorities to take responsibility and strengthen security in Christian areas. Yet, despite these calls, such incidents continue to rise. Murders, kidnappings, and robberies targeting Christians are occurring with alarming frequency—often without consequence.
It is clear that the government has so far failed to protect all segments of the population. The question now is what real and concrete actions will be taken following the murder of George Ishoh—and whether anyone will be held accountable at all.