The Christian Holocaust in Iraq.
It seems now that our cries are being heard. But, my worst fear is that they have come at too late a time.
As many of you have been heard on local and nationwide media the onslaught of Iraqi Christians at the hand of ISIL lays in our midst. And, all signs point towards a Christians Holocaust amongst the destabilization of Iraq. For those of you that do not know, I am a member of the Iraqi Christian or "Chaldean" community. My parents immigrated to this great nation to give our family the opportunity to succeed. An opportunity not readily afforded to us in the Middle East. And while my family has started a new life in the United States, I cannot help but think of the life that my parents left behind, and for those that did not have the chance to leave. Which is why the struggle of my Chaldean brothers and sisters in foreign lands remains distant, but never forgotten through my journey in the beautiful country I am proud to call home.
Recently, images have gone viral that show a "Red Death Stamp" being placed outside of the homes of Iraqi Christians. This stamp is a reminder to all Christians that once the Holy Month of Ramadan ends, ISIL knows who you are, and your life is in their hands now. Because of this, 95% of Christians have left Mosul with about 5% remaining as converts to Islam. The red badge shown carries echoes of the Holocaust and the yellow badges placed on the arms, and outside the businesses of Jewish individuals. It is a frighteningly clear omen of what the future carries for these marked Christians.
The time for assessment is over, and the time to act is now. I call upon all members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and all members of Congress to support the passage of House Resolution 663, so that we can lay the foundation for a law that would help give these Christians not just the chance to survive, but to live. My worst fear is that there comes a point in the future where we look back and ask ourselves, "could we have stopped a genocide?" Resolution 663 is not a sign of good faith, but an obligation to all persecuted people. It is the United States way of saying—We stand with you. And you are never forgotten.
Please keep the minorities in Iraq and the greater region in your prayers. And call upon your local representative, and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to support humanity, to support House Resolution 663.
Link to House Resolution 663 here.
Warmest Regards,
Mark Arabo
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