New Syrian News Site Launches Hebrew Edition to Reach Israeli Audience

A new Syrian news website called "Syria Focus" has recently launched, offering content in Hebrew alongside English, Arabic, French, and German editions. In an interview with Roee Kais on the Kan 11 program "In Our Neighborhood" on Thursday, the site's editor, Rasan Ibrahim, explained the decision to address Israeli readers directly. He stated that it was essential to include Hebrew given the proximity of Israel and the shared language in the region.

Ibrahim emphasized that the website aims to present an unbiased view of Syria's current reality and development, highlighting aspects often missing from mainstream media. He described the "new Syria" as fundamentally different from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran, asserting that Syrians are focused on rebuilding their country rather than hostility toward others. He urged Israelis not to assume Syrians harbor resentment or seek conflict.

The editor criticized Israeli media for sometimes framing Syrians through a political lens that equates them with terrorist organizations. According to Ibrahim, Syria has moved beyond extreme nationalism, Assad's previous regime, and Iranian influence, now concentrating on society, culture, and tourism. He concluded by stating that Syria's current vision centers on stability and prosperity and suggested this trajectory could eventually align with the Abraham Accords initiative.