Rabbi Yosef Hamra, a prominent leader of the Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn and brother of Syria’s last chief rabbi, publicly blessed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a Washington event tied to the president’s recent visit to the White House with President Donald Trump.

The event highlighted the growing efforts to foster dialogue and understanding between Syrian officials and members of the Jewish diaspora. Rabbi Hamra’s blessing was a symbolic gesture, emphasizing reconciliation and a shared interest in stability and peace for Syria and the broader region.

President al-Sharaa’s Washington visit marked a historic moment in Syrian-American relations, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with U.S. leadership. The participation of Rabbi Hamra underscored the importance of cultural and religious representation in diplomatic exchanges, particularly from communities historically connected to Syria.

Observers noted that the blessing carried deep significance, given Rabbi Hamra’s role as a leading voice for Syrian Jews abroad and his family’s historical ties to Syria’s religious institutions. By publicly honoring President al-Sharaa, Rabbi Hamra signaled a willingness to support constructive engagement while preserving the heritage and memory of Syrian Jewry.

The ceremony reflected a broader diplomatic context in which religious leaders play an active role in shaping international relations and promoting dialogue. It also highlighted the Trump administration’s continued focus on building relationships in the Middle East, supporting initiatives that bring diverse communities into meaningful conversation with political leaders.

Through this act, Rabbi Hamra reinforced the role of faith and heritage in modern diplomacy, signaling a hopeful path toward cooperation, understanding, and stability in a region that has long faced political and humanitarian challenges.