From the Liveblog of
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Syrian authorities said to release Jewish man after weeks in detention
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLuke Tress is The Times of Israel's New York correspondent.
Syrian authorities have released one of the country’s few remaining Jews, Salim Hamadani, after he was arrested several weeks ago, a Jewish community activist says.
Hamadani, an antiquities dealer in Damascus, was reportedly arrested on suspicion of illegal trading in antiquities.
Joe Jajati, who was born in Syria, lives in New York and acts as a liaison between the Jewish community and the Syrian government, says Hamadani has been released after 20 days in detention.
Jajati, a friend of Hamadani, says on X that Hamadani has been cleared of all charges and thanks the Syrian government for its “diligence, cooperation, and for ensuring a fair and transparent trial.”
Justice has prevailed!! Truth has been found!! ????????????️????????
I am profoundly happy to share that my dear friend Salim Hamadani has been released and cleared of all accusations. After 20 days, the legal system has confirmed what we knew in our hearts: Salim is an innocent man.
I want… https://t.co/XdOUkd3IX8— Joe Jajati (@JoeJajati) December 28, 2025
Jajati adds that the government showed Hamadani a “high standard of care, respect, and dignity” during his detention, and that the arrest was “not an act of prejudice.”
Hamadani’s arrest came at a sensitive time, as the new Syrian government works to improve its international image, given concerns over its treatment of minorities.
Only a handful of Jews remain in Syria, but Syrian Jewish expatriates in the US, including Jajati, have been working to build ties with the new government since it took power earlier this year.
The Times of Israel Community.