Resources
Iraq's Christians mark Christmas with subdued celebrations in solidarity with Gaza
Publication Date: 25/12/2023
Source: The New Arab
Christians in Iraq took part in subdued Christmas celebrations this year in solidarity with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Israel's brutal war on Gaza and with scores of Iraqis who died in a tragic fire earlier this year.
Syriac Christmas Message Stirs Debate in Turkish Parliament
Author: Mahmut Bozarslan, Ezel Sahinkaya
Publication Date: 22/12/2023
Source: VOA News
Turkey’s parliament erupted in controversy this week when the nation’s only Assyrian lawmaker delivered a Christmas message in his native Syriac language, offending other legislators who believe that only Turkish should be spoken in the national assembly.
HTS looks to Idlib’s Christians and Druze to whitewash violations
Author: Walid Al Nofal, Bahaa Taha
Publication Date: 11/12/2023
Source: Syria Direct
The land, 60 dunums in al-Judayda, a Christian village in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province, was everything to Julian’s family. From season to season, it sustained them, until Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the hardline opposition group that reigns in Idlib, confiscated it five years ago. In October, the family finally got it back.
Aleppo’s Christians Face Ongoing Struggles from War and Displacement
Publication Date: 19/12/2023
Source: Persecution - International Christian Concern
Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria, has witnessed profound transformations over the past 12 years, becoming a poignant symbol of the broader challenges faced by the nation and the entire Middle East region. Aleppo, in the past decade, has experienced the devastating consequences of war, mass displacement, economic crises, and societal breakdown.
'No sign of Christmas in the birthplace of Jesus': As bombs rain on Gaza, Palestinian Christians say cancel celebrations
Author: Jessica Buxbaum
Publication Date: 22/12/2023
Source: The New Arab
Last week, Nahida and Samar Anton — a mother and daughter — were reportedly shot dead by an Israeli sniper while walking inside the Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic church.
Iraqi Christians terrified of new regional war in Middle East, says archbishop
Publication Date: 3/11/2023
Source: Catholic Herald
Christians in Iraq are terrified that the war in the Holy Land will engulf the region, according to a leading archbishop, who is calling on governments around the world to work to bring peace.
Gaza's Christians hold 'baptism under fire' with fears Palestinian children will not survive Israel's onslaught
Author: Reem Fatthelbab
Publication Date: 1/11/2023
Source: The New Arab
A collective baptism has been organised for newborn babies in the besieged Gaza Strip this week, driven by a fear for Christian Palestinian families that their children may not survive Israel's relentless bombardment that began on 7 October.
‘The Future of the Christians in Egypt is Unknown,’ Interview with a Coptic Christian Activist
Publication Date: 31/10/2023
Source: Christian Headlines
Coptic Christians make up Egypt’s largest ethno-religious minority and the largest community of Christians in the Middle East. Copts also face widespread persecution and discrimination for their faith. Global Christian Relief recently interviewed a Coptic Christian rights activist in Cairo who operates a nonprofit advocating for human rights for Christians and other minorities in Egypt. His name has been withheld for security purposes.