Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians seek refuge in Syria

The unrelenting civil strife in Iraq has led to the displacement of roughly half of the country’s Christian residents, ANS reported on Monday.

Iraqi Christians continue to be targeted in their homeland. Many have received death threats, and women and girls have endured harassment for not abiding by strict Islamic dress codes. Additionally, a substantial number of places of worship in the Al Dora district, once known as “the Vatican of Iraq”, have been forced to shut down.

The international charity Aid to the Church in Need has collaborated with Bishop Antoine Audo of Syria to provide refuge and humanitarian assistance to the some 35,000 Christians who have fled to Syria.

“Of course the people are frightened,” Audo said. “But there is something stronger than the fear – it is their faith.”

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