First came reports that the jihadist terrorists of the Islamic Army of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) were confronting the the Christians of Mosul with the dreadful choice: 'convert or die'. In a move reminiscent of how Jewish homes were identified by a red 'hamsa' during the Farhud, Christian homes were daubed with an 'N' - for Nasrani' (Christian). Now Christians are following the Jews into exile. The Daily Star (Lebanon) reports:
PARIS: France said Monday that it was ready to welcome Christians from northern Iraq who have been told by the Al-Qaeda offshoot group now ruling the region to either convert to Islam, pay a religious levy or face death.
Islamic State insurgents seized large swaths of northern Iraq last month, prompting hundreds of Christian families in Mosul to flee a city that has hosted the faith since its earliest years.
"We are providing aid to displaced people fleeing from the threats of Islamic Sate and who have sought refuge in Kurdistan. We are ready, if they wish, to facilitate their asylum on our soil," France's foreign and interior ministers said in a joint statement.
"We are in constant contact with local and national authorities to ensure everything is done to protect them."
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki earlier this month condemned the treatment of the Christians and instructed a government committee to help those made homeless. However, he has not said when the army might try to win back control of Mosul.
Islamic State has warned all women in Mosul to wear full-face veils or risk severe punishment. The Sunni insurgents, who have declared a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria, also view Iraq's majority Shiites as infidels who deserve to be killed.
here is a horrible, bigoted, ignorant blog post on TOI. Can somebody answer it?
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.timesofisrael.com/hold-up-paris-what-did-you-expect/
I think you did a pretty good job answering her with your comments, Eliyahu. I don't think you need worry too much about this girl - she has very few readers for her screed.
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