A large number of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protection for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier.

Many of the rebels who now rule Syria are jihadists, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has renounced his long-standing ties to al-Qaeda and has for years presented himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance.

It remains unclear who set fire to the Christmas tree on Monday, which was also condemned by the HTS representative who toured the city and addressed the citizens.

“This act was committed by non-Syrian people and they will be punished beyond your expectations,” the representative said in a video widely shared on social media.

“The Christmas tree will be fully restored by tonight.”

WATCH | Syrian Christians take to the streets asking for protection:

Syrian protesters took to the streets after lighting a Christmas tree

Christians marched through the streets of Damascus on Tuesday to condemn the burning of a Christmas tree in the Syrian city of Hama. The condemnation comes after a rise in attacks on Christian sites in the country.

On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Toum, a neighborhood in Damascus, chanting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses.

“We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Afrem II of the Syrian Orthodox Church, addressing the crowd in the churchyard, assuring them of the rights of Christians in Syria.

Since HTS led a rapid offensive that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Syria’s minority communities have been on edge, unsure of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government.

“We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” said another protester. “We are united – Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.”