As the Syrian conflict takes more ugly turns, Christians who were stuck at the hands of ISIS in the middle of the deadly conflict are now speaking out about their reasons for leaving.
Brothers, Admon and Simon Alhabib left Syria via cab about a year and a half ago with their mother to go to the neighboring country of Lebanon.
Admon Alhabib, now a refugee from Syria said in a short video that, “before the war there was no problem between Christians and Muslims. There were no differences.”
“We lived very well but when the war started – and especially when ISIS arrived – the problems began for the Christians.”
ISIS took control of Raqqa, Syria in March of 2013. An action that was led after the group played on fears, anger and the frustration people had against President Bashar al-Assad.
Prior to this victory for the extremist, the other brother, Simon explained that, “Before the crisis there was no persecution, but with the war and the occupation by ISIS the problems started. We have friends who have been kidnapped.”
The young man expanded on the statement and noted, Father Jacques Mourad, a person who he considers a friend was abducted by the jihadists along with dozens of fellow Christians.
Did He Help or Hurt? A Bishop Just Freed 226 Syrian Christians From ISIS by Paying $11M in Ransom
After the priest was released, he made arrangements for the young men to move to Italy with the Humanitarian Corridors.
According to the organization’s website, the young men were able to move, due to a pilot program that was launched by Sant’Egidio in collaboration with the Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy and the Waldensian Church.
Simon told Rome Reports that “We, as Christians, have experienced terrible situations, but this has not harmed our faith.”
“We have always been faithful and we will be faithful, despite all we have lived through. We know that authentic belief has nothing to do with the violence done to us.”
Now the two reside in Rome and are hoping like most Syrians that they can return to their country and help rebuild it.
—
Read More:
Syrian Regime Claims to Have Full Control of Aleppo
Gut Check: Children Are Needlessly Dying in Syria. Do You Care?
Iraqi Forces are Making Strides Against ISIS in Southeastern Mosul