The Voice of the suffering in Middle East

“They do not want us to instruct pupils in the liturgical language, Syriac, and they do not want us to teach history because they prefer to drum their own history into the heads of pupils."

"During the war, we lived in difficult circumstances, especially as students. We studied by candlelight sometimes, not to mention the sounds of the explosions that were increasing our stress."

“It is my wish to remain in this land, despite all the difficult circumstances and disadvantages we have to deal with. I pray to God to realize this dream and to preserve my family, protect us and keep us safe.”

"The whole of the Middle East is being convulsed by violence, corruption and political upheaval. It is blighted by sin. It is Jesus who forgives these sins and heals the wounds. Who can give this restless and corrupt region Jesus other than the Christians? We are therefore not only Christians—but also disciples of forgiveness and love."

He attributes his family’s survival to the aid of the Melkite Church, the work of the bishops and priests: “They have done great work in the humanitarian field. They provide cash aid and monthly food baskets, which is how we survived these past six years.”

"I am afraid that the same thing will happen to us again—that ISIS will return.”