-
DAMASCUS - The bars and cafes in the predominantly-Christian Bab Tuma and Bab al-Sharqi neighborhoods of Damascus are quiet. Customers are staying away because of a fear of possible extremist attacks or that the new Islamist-led authorities will crack down on places serving alcohol.
“No one comes here, there is no work, and everybody is suffering. Today, only one or two tables for an area like this is not good, it is a shame,” Tamara al-Enemi, a bar worker, told Rudaw on Thursday.
Enemi said that the lack of business has caused her stress, leaving her concerned about her livelihood.
Remon al-Khouri, a bar owner, called on the new authorities to respect the rights and way of life of minorities.
“We are hopeful about the new state, and we are hopeful that the authorities will examine this matter closely and at the economic level while respecting all sectarian components and minorities. These people do their work in a designated and respectful manner, and this work provides services to everyone. Not only Christians, but also all components of Syria and outside Syria are coming, from all sects and countries,” Khouri told Rudaw.
About 5,000 people work in Bab Tuma and Bab al-Sharqi neighborhoods, according to unofficial statistics. Their jobs are on the line.
In early May, a woman was killed and several others were injured in a shooting at a Damascus nightclub, days after another similar attack.
“No one comes here, there is no work, and everybody is suffering. Today, only one or two tables for an area like this is not good, it is a shame,” Tamara al-Enemi, a bar worker, told Rudaw on Thursday.
Enemi said that the lack of business has caused her stress, leaving her concerned about her livelihood.
Remon al-Khouri, a bar owner, called on the new authorities to respect the rights and way of life of minorities.
“We are hopeful about the new state, and we are hopeful that the authorities will examine this matter closely and at the economic level while respecting all sectarian components and minorities. These people do their work in a designated and respectful manner, and this work provides services to everyone. Not only Christians, but also all components of Syria and outside Syria are coming, from all sects and countries,” Khouri told Rudaw.
About 5,000 people work in Bab Tuma and Bab al-Sharqi neighborhoods, according to unofficial statistics. Their jobs are on the line.
In early May, a woman was killed and several others were injured in a shooting at a Damascus nightclub, days after another similar attack.
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment