Syrian-American rabbi Henry Yosef Hamra announced his candidacy for the Syrian People’s Assembly representing the Damascus electoral district, becoming the first Jewish candidate since Syrian Jews were banned from running for parliament following the June 1967 War.

Hamra, 48, is the son of Rabbi Yosef Hamra, the chief rabbi of the Syrian Jewish community in New York, who left Syria in 1992 after former President Hafez al-Assad lifted the travel ban on Jews. At that time, fewer than ten Jews remained in the Syrian capital.

In his campaign announcement posted on social media, Hamra confirmed his candidacy under the slogan:

“Toward a prosperous, tolerant, and just Syria.”

He said his campaign aims to promote justice, preserve Syrian heritage, and lift sanctions, according to Syria TV on Friday.

Hamra stated:

“I believe in a united Syria for all Syrians — from Hasakah to Sweida, from Daraa to Latakia, and from Damascus to Aleppo.”

He also affirmed that he will continue working with the Syrian community in the United States to push for the unconditional repeal of the Caesar Act, the U.S. law imposing economic sanctions on Syria that was originally aimed at the Assad government. The new administration in Damascus is now seeking to have the law revoked.