Aid Christian Iraqis
Today marks the first anniversary of the tragic displacement of Iraqi Christians from the village of Qaraqosh and 14 other villages on the Nineveh Plain, home to many members of the Dominican Order — the Order of Preachers of the Roman Catholic Church.
They and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis were displaced from their ancient homeland as Da’esh (ISIS) swept across the plain. Following decades of failed military intervention in Iraq, it’s time for the United States to assume humanitarian and diplomatic responsibilities.
Please join the members of the Dominican Order in the United States in urging the administration and Congress to increase funding significantly to support the internally displaced populations and the Iraqi refugees struggling in nearby countries, since the Iraqi government seems unable or unwilling to do so.
Through the efforts of the U.N. Security Council, ask for a comprehensive arms embargo on Iraq and the region, and a united global response to the threats posed by the Islamic State.
One year ago on Aug. 8, the superior of one Iraqi community of Catholic Dominican sisters wrote a letter to all U.S. Dominicans, crying out for our help.
She is still waiting. Please raise your voice with me.
Sister Linda Bevilacqua, president, Barry University, Miami Shores
This story was originally published August 5, 2015 at 7:54 PM with the headline "Aid Christian Iraqis."