Martyrdom in Sweida: The Story of Khalid Mezher and a Call for Prayer from the Druze Community
This past week, the southern Syrian city of Sweida, historically home to the Druze minority, became the scene of one of the most brutal episodes of violence since the fall of the Assad regime. Hundreds lost their lives in just a few days; neighborhoods were devastated, and families were irreparably torn apart. Among the victims was Khalid Mezher, a courageous follower of Christ from a Druze background, whose testimony and tragic death have deeply impacted both the Christian and Druze communities.
A Man of Peace, Martyred in His Home
Khalid Mezher was not a soldier or a political figure; he was a believer— a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who nurtured a quiet yet growing ministry from his home in Sweida. Born into a Druze family, Khalid encountered the life-transforming message of the Gospel and chose to follow Christ, embodying his faith with humility while remaining at the heart of his community.
On July 15, during a military campaign by Syrian government forces, Khalid and twelve members of his family were brutally slain in what eyewitnesses described as a deliberate, targeted attack. Among the victims were his disabled father, his mother, and his two sisters. The family’s bodies were discovered naked and mutilated, lying in front of their burned home—an image etched into the memories of their neighbors, who fled in fear.
This was not merely an act of war; it was a heinous act of terror against a household of faith, reflecting the broader persecution that believers—especially converts from minority groups—face in this troubled region.
A Community Under Siege
Khalid’s story is but one among many. Sweida is currently under military siege, with neighborhoods shelled, homes looted and torched, civilians executed, and religious leaders humiliated. Hundreds have been displaced. Eyewitnesses and humanitarian contacts on the ground report that families cannot return to their homes—they are either burned or looted.
As of today, the situation is dire:
No electricity
No water
No food or medical supplies
No safety
One resident conveyed the desperate situation: “We are surrounded. There is no way out and no one coming in. We feel forgotten.”
A United Call for Prayer
This morning, we reached out to local believers and residents in Sweida and across the Druze community, asking, “How can we help you?” Every single person provided the same heartfelt response:
"We need prayer. Pray for us. Pray for the Druze people. Pray for our churches. We are living under siege."
So we extend this urgent call to you, our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe:
Prayer Points
Pray for the Druze community, that God would bring comfort, protection, and revelation of Himself among them in their suffering.
Pray for the church in Sweida, encompassing both Druze-background believers and historic Christian families, that they would be strengthened in unity and faith.
Pray for those grieving the loss of Khalid Mezher and his family, that their testimony may not be in vain, and that God would use their sacrifice to bring healing and revival.
Pray for provision—food, water, medicine, and safety—for every man, woman, and child enduring this siege.
Pray for justice—that those responsible for these atrocities would be held accountable, and that peace may once again reign in Syria.
Pray for Peace—may Christ’s peace and presence dwell in the hearts of all people groups in Syria.
Khalid Mezher’s life serves as a poignant reminder of the quiet courage it takes to follow Jesus in a land ravaged by violence. His death underscores that the body of Christ suffers together. His story is far from over—his witness continues to resonate in the community he discipled and the hearts he touched.
Let us not remain silent. Let us not forget.
Let us pray without ceasing.