Report from the Mideast: A human drama
Damascus
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The Jews of Syria live better now but pray for deliverance
"No, not here. Not Syria. You must talk to some who have escaped already. In New York or Israel. They will tell you. I cannot. We are not in Switzerland or America."
Not even among the young is there a thought of collective action. No one but the family can be trusted. Questions about gradual integration or improvements simply do not exist. A young woman is asked if she believes she could ever be accepted as an equal member of the Syrian society.
Her eyes are blank and her forehead wrinkles as she tries to comprehend. The question is asked four times.
After a while, it is clear she understands, but it takes a minute or two for her to frame a reply.
"Wait," she says. "You go too fast. I mean, this is not ... I mean, you don't understand. To be a Jew is a curse."
There is no optimism here, even among the young. An 18-year-old metal worker says he cannot expect the current relaxations to last. "Now, it is good. I mean, it is better," he says. "But put it in your mind: How can 4,000 Jews stay in 8 million here?
"Now, it is better. This year is good. Next year, we do not know."
From the back of the shop, a voice responds:
"Next year in Jerusalem."
