I continue to be very grateful that Syria has helped the best that it can the many Christian refugees who had to flee Iraq and who are now in Syria. I also thank the UN for their help and attention, even as I'm disappointed the rest of the world, including the US, has been insensitive to the plight and sadness of Iraqi Christians.
I hope that they find homes where they feel safe, and perhaps many of them will stay in Syria. Just as the wave of immigrants refreshed and built the American economy a hundred years ago, I hope that educational institutions and entrepreneurs will invest in Syria with a mind toward expanding job opportunities for Syrians and the immigrant Iraqis alike.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805970.htm
Showing posts with label Syria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Syria. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Example in Syria of Orthodox and Muslim respect
Muslims are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, where they fast all day and have "breakfast" after dusk, which is a festive meal. This story describes how the Patriarch treats the Grand Mufti in one of these banquets.
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/09/10/192156.htm
Catholicos Aram I Holds Iftar banquet in Honor of Syria's Grand Mufti
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 09:55 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- His Holiness Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia on Wednesday evening held an Iftar banquet (Ramadan evening breakfast) in Damascus in honor of Syria's Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmad Badruddin Hassoun.
The Iftar banquet was attended by Secretary General of the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council Nassri al-Khouri, senior clergymen of the Monotheists in Syria Sheikh Ahmad al-Hajiri, Damascus Mufti Sheikh Bashir Eid al-Bari, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon of the Syriac Orthodox George Saliba, Armenian Ambassador in Damascus Arshak Poladian and other figures.
Catholicos Aram I and Mufti Hassoun exchanges cordial speeches in which they stressed importance of concerted efforts by Moslem and Christian clergymen for the victor of the principles of justices, right and equality in the world.
They also emphasized the need to spread the culture of peace and justice among all peoples of the world.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/09/10/192156.htm
Catholicos Aram I Holds Iftar banquet in Honor of Syria's Grand Mufti
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 09:55 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- His Holiness Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia on Wednesday evening held an Iftar banquet (Ramadan evening breakfast) in Damascus in honor of Syria's Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmad Badruddin Hassoun.
The Iftar banquet was attended by Secretary General of the Syrian-Lebanese Supreme Council Nassri al-Khouri, senior clergymen of the Monotheists in Syria Sheikh Ahmad al-Hajiri, Damascus Mufti Sheikh Bashir Eid al-Bari, Archbishop of Mount Lebanon of the Syriac Orthodox George Saliba, Armenian Ambassador in Damascus Arshak Poladian and other figures.
Catholicos Aram I and Mufti Hassoun exchanges cordial speeches in which they stressed importance of concerted efforts by Moslem and Christian clergymen for the victor of the principles of justices, right and equality in the world.
They also emphasized the need to spread the culture of peace and justice among all peoples of the world.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
Friday, August 1, 2008
Syrian Grand Mufti invites Pope, has wise words
http://www.zenit.org/article-23389?l=english
snip
Syrian Mufti Hopes Pope Visits for Pauline Year
Notes Wish That Vatican Can Help Bring Peace to Mideast
By Mirko TestaDAMASCUS, Syria, JULY 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The grand mufti of Syria is hoping for a visit from Benedict XVI during the Pauline Jubilee Year.
Ahmad Badr El Din El Hassoun invited the Pope to visit his country in the context of a meeting in Damascus with a group of journalists, on a trip following in the footsteps of the Apostle to the Gentiles.
"What I would like to say to the Holy Father is that at present, Damascus is the capital of Arab culture and, at the same time, the capital of the Year of St. Paul," Hassoun said. "I will be exceedingly happy if the Holy Father decides to accept our invitation to visit Syria in this year."
and
The grand mufti also expressed the hope that "the Vatican might play a role in planting the flower of peace in the Middle East."
"Deep down, among religious intellectuals, there is no quarrel but dialogue and discussion," the Muslim leader contended. "And I hope that the Holy Father will play a fundamental part in the peace of the world."
The great mufti recalled Pope John Paul II's urgent appeal not to erect walls but build bridges of dialogue, in reference to the wall of separation built between Israel and Palestinian territories.
"The Vatican had a fundamental role in the fall of the Berlin Wall," he said, "and I hope it will be able to play a similar role to demolish the wall being built in the land of peace."
***
These are very generous words and a very worthy and gracious example by a man of God toward another man of God. I would love to see such a dialogue and visit to take place!
snip
Syrian Mufti Hopes Pope Visits for Pauline Year
Notes Wish That Vatican Can Help Bring Peace to Mideast
By Mirko TestaDAMASCUS, Syria, JULY 31, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The grand mufti of Syria is hoping for a visit from Benedict XVI during the Pauline Jubilee Year.
Ahmad Badr El Din El Hassoun invited the Pope to visit his country in the context of a meeting in Damascus with a group of journalists, on a trip following in the footsteps of the Apostle to the Gentiles.
"What I would like to say to the Holy Father is that at present, Damascus is the capital of Arab culture and, at the same time, the capital of the Year of St. Paul," Hassoun said. "I will be exceedingly happy if the Holy Father decides to accept our invitation to visit Syria in this year."
and
The grand mufti also expressed the hope that "the Vatican might play a role in planting the flower of peace in the Middle East."
"Deep down, among religious intellectuals, there is no quarrel but dialogue and discussion," the Muslim leader contended. "And I hope that the Holy Father will play a fundamental part in the peace of the world."
The great mufti recalled Pope John Paul II's urgent appeal not to erect walls but build bridges of dialogue, in reference to the wall of separation built between Israel and Palestinian territories.
"The Vatican had a fundamental role in the fall of the Berlin Wall," he said, "and I hope it will be able to play a similar role to demolish the wall being built in the land of peace."
***
These are very generous words and a very worthy and gracious example by a man of God toward another man of God. I would love to see such a dialogue and visit to take place!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Landmines
A continuing terrible problem, including those left by Israel, which have killed or maimed over 500 innocent people, including shepherds, women and children.
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2008/06/17/179862.htm
A Syrian Severely Wounded by Landmines left by Israeli Occupation Troops in Quneitra
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 05:55 PM
Quneitra, southern Syria (SANA)- A Syrian shepherd has his leg and hand amputated when a landmine left deliberately by Israeli occupation forces exploded as he was leading his sheep in Quneitra, southern Syria Monday evening.
Head of the Rehabilitation of Landmine Victims Society Dr. Omar al-Lahibi said the 39-year-old man was severely injured in the blast, and was rushed to a hospital where his foreleg and part of his hand were cut off.
He added that the landmines left by Israeli occupation troops before they withdrew from the liberated city of Quneitra had already claimed the lives of 203 Syrian citizens and causing various handicap to 330 others, most of them women, children and shepherds.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2008/06/17/179862.htm
A Syrian Severely Wounded by Landmines left by Israeli Occupation Troops in Quneitra
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - 05:55 PM
Quneitra, southern Syria (SANA)- A Syrian shepherd has his leg and hand amputated when a landmine left deliberately by Israeli occupation forces exploded as he was leading his sheep in Quneitra, southern Syria Monday evening.
Head of the Rehabilitation of Landmine Victims Society Dr. Omar al-Lahibi said the 39-year-old man was severely injured in the blast, and was rushed to a hospital where his foreleg and part of his hand were cut off.
He added that the landmines left by Israeli occupation troops before they withdrew from the liberated city of Quneitra had already claimed the lives of 203 Syrian citizens and causing various handicap to 330 others, most of them women, children and shepherds.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Christian theological meeting in Syria
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/30/158778.htm
A Three-Day Theological Meeting Kicks off in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, Near Damascus
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 08:00 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- The 5th meeting of the theological dialogue atarted on Wednesday at Mar Aphram the Syria Monastery in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, near Damascus with the participation of the Vatican representatives (the Catholic Family) and Oriental Orthodox Churches (Family).
The meeting would discuss theological issues between the two churches, the Christian unity and defending the beliefs through amity and mutual understanding.
His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch and All Orient and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the World delivered a speech stressing that the Eastern Churches were keen on continuing discussions with the Catholic Church to make rapprochement between them and reach mutual understanding.
His Beatitude voiced happiness that this meeting was being held in Damascus, capital of the Arab culture and cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions and from which the message of Jesus Christ had spread to the whole world.
He pointed out that Syria was the symbol of national unity and coexistence and an example to be followed in the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by 30 Christian figures from the Vatican, the US, Armenia, Egypt, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Indian, some European countries and Syria.
Representative of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic delegation Cardinal Walter Casper highlighted the meeting which grouped together the two churches in an atmosphere of amity and cooperation.
He expressed happiness that the meeting was held in Syria, the country of safety and stability in this tense region.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
-and-
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/29/158606.htm
Syria offers condolences over the death of Archbishop Christodoulos
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 06:40 PM
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias over the death of Greece's Orthodox Church leader, Archbishop Christodoulos who died yesterday.
In the cable, President al-Assad, on behalf of Syrian people and himself, expressed grief and sorrow to President Papoulias and the Greek people over the passing away of Archbishop Christodoulos.
The President recalled the honorable stances of Archbishop Christodoulos and his meetings with the late President Hafez al-Assad, and his commitment to boost and enhance ties between the Syrian and Greek peoples.
Mazen
***
Syria continues to have a dignified and generous spirit in Muslim-Christian relationships and are to be applauded for setting such a notable example of people secure in their faith in God. May God bless all people of good will and spirit.
A Three-Day Theological Meeting Kicks off in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, Near Damascus
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - 08:00 PM
Damascus, (SANA)- The 5th meeting of the theological dialogue atarted on Wednesday at Mar Aphram the Syria Monastery in Ma'arrat Sidnaya, near Damascus with the participation of the Vatican representatives (the Catholic Family) and Oriental Orthodox Churches (Family).
The meeting would discuss theological issues between the two churches, the Christian unity and defending the beliefs through amity and mutual understanding.
His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch and All Orient and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the World delivered a speech stressing that the Eastern Churches were keen on continuing discussions with the Catholic Church to make rapprochement between them and reach mutual understanding.
His Beatitude voiced happiness that this meeting was being held in Damascus, capital of the Arab culture and cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions and from which the message of Jesus Christ had spread to the whole world.
He pointed out that Syria was the symbol of national unity and coexistence and an example to be followed in the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by 30 Christian figures from the Vatican, the US, Armenia, Egypt, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Indian, some European countries and Syria.
Representative of the Vatican and Head of the Catholic delegation Cardinal Walter Casper highlighted the meeting which grouped together the two churches in an atmosphere of amity and cooperation.
He expressed happiness that the meeting was held in Syria, the country of safety and stability in this tense region.
Ahmad Fathi ZAHRA
-and-
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2008/01/29/158606.htm
Syria offers condolences over the death of Archbishop Christodoulos
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - 06:40 PM
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday sent a cable of condolences to his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias over the death of Greece's Orthodox Church leader, Archbishop Christodoulos who died yesterday.
In the cable, President al-Assad, on behalf of Syrian people and himself, expressed grief and sorrow to President Papoulias and the Greek people over the passing away of Archbishop Christodoulos.
The President recalled the honorable stances of Archbishop Christodoulos and his meetings with the late President Hafez al-Assad, and his commitment to boost and enhance ties between the Syrian and Greek peoples.
Mazen
***
Syria continues to have a dignified and generous spirit in Muslim-Christian relationships and are to be applauded for setting such a notable example of people secure in their faith in God. May God bless all people of good will and spirit.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Archbishop lecture about religious unity in Syria
From www.sana.org:
Syria is Example of National Unity, Archbishop Ibrahim Says
Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 07:45 PM
ROME, (SANA) - Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo Yohanna Ibrahim affirmed on Thursday that Syria constitutes a unique and distinguished example of the national unity among its sons.
In his lecture in Rome entitled /Cultures and Coexistence in Syria / Archbishop Ibrahim said the national unity, that Syria enjoys, is due to the available justice for all religions in the framework of citizenship, respect of all worship houses and the continuous dialogue which we live through our fasting, celebrations and worships .
Earlier, Archbishop Ibrahim asserted, during his participation at deliberations of the international meeting on peace and dialogue among civilizations and religions in Naboli , on different aspects of amity and coexistence in Syria, the Cradle of civilizations and the various heavenly religions.
Thawra- Ghossoun
Syria is Example of National Unity, Archbishop Ibrahim Says
Thursday, October 25, 2007 - 07:45 PM
ROME, (SANA) - Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo Yohanna Ibrahim affirmed on Thursday that Syria constitutes a unique and distinguished example of the national unity among its sons.
In his lecture in Rome entitled /Cultures and Coexistence in Syria / Archbishop Ibrahim said the national unity, that Syria enjoys, is due to the available justice for all religions in the framework of citizenship, respect of all worship houses and the continuous dialogue which we live through our fasting, celebrations and worships .
Earlier, Archbishop Ibrahim asserted, during his participation at deliberations of the international meeting on peace and dialogue among civilizations and religions in Naboli , on different aspects of amity and coexistence in Syria, the Cradle of civilizations and the various heavenly religions.
Thawra- Ghossoun
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Annoyed with Israel, as Usual
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day.asp?id=156800&tDate=9/6/2007#156800
Today in Jewish History
Dove brings Olive Leaf (2105 BCE)
On the 301st day of the great Flood, Noah sent a dove for the 2nd time from the ark (see "Today in Jewish History" for Elul 17). This time, the dove stayed away all day; "the dove came in to him in the evening, and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off; and Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth" (Genesis 8:11).
***
According to the Jewish calendar, today is the day that the dove released by Noah from his ark after the earth was destroyed by flood returned with an olive leaf in her mouth. This was a sign that there was growing land to be found and the flood sent by God was abating.
Today Israeli jets made hostile entry over the northern part of Syria, a land who, without complaint, has been sheltering one and a half million Iraqi refugees fleeing from the mess in Iraq. I think the government in Israel has an odd idea of timing of their aggression, and that they had better start finding some time for Torah and Bible study. Think about it dummies. I know that Israel has become a secular country a long time ago except when it's convenient for them to hassle Christians and Palestinians, but I suggest they not be so cheeky with their timing with God, to send hostile jets on such a significant day in their very own calendar. Doubly annoying as they sent a representative to the Vatican today too. Who are they kidding? Get religious and get serious, if you please. God is watching.
Today in Jewish History
Dove brings Olive Leaf (2105 BCE)
On the 301st day of the great Flood, Noah sent a dove for the 2nd time from the ark (see "Today in Jewish History" for Elul 17). This time, the dove stayed away all day; "the dove came in to him in the evening, and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off; and Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth" (Genesis 8:11).
***
According to the Jewish calendar, today is the day that the dove released by Noah from his ark after the earth was destroyed by flood returned with an olive leaf in her mouth. This was a sign that there was growing land to be found and the flood sent by God was abating.
Today Israeli jets made hostile entry over the northern part of Syria, a land who, without complaint, has been sheltering one and a half million Iraqi refugees fleeing from the mess in Iraq. I think the government in Israel has an odd idea of timing of their aggression, and that they had better start finding some time for Torah and Bible study. Think about it dummies. I know that Israel has become a secular country a long time ago except when it's convenient for them to hassle Christians and Palestinians, but I suggest they not be so cheeky with their timing with God, to send hostile jets on such a significant day in their very own calendar. Doubly annoying as they sent a representative to the Vatican today too. Who are they kidding? Get religious and get serious, if you please. God is watching.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Church Council Reps visit Syria
From www.sana.org:
Council of Churches in France Delegation: Syria is a Unique Case of Coexistence
Monday, July 09, 2007 - 05:50 PM
Damascus, (SANA) – Council of Churches in France delegation concluded on Monday a five-day visit to Syria, during which its members met heads of Christian communities and the general director of Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro Foundation.
Members of the delegation included president of Council of Churches Archbishop Jean-Arnold de Clermont, president of the Orthodox Bishops Council in France Metropolitan Emmanuel and president of the Catholic Bishops Assembly Archbishop Bernard-Nicolas Aubertin. They stated that Syria is a unique case and presents a model for fraternity and coexistence to the region and the world.
They also pointed out to the necessity of communication and dialogue between the West and the Islamic worlds, stressing that Syria's history, civilization and regional position must be taken into account in any regional reconciliation, adding that peace has become a priority in order to end violence and extremism.
H. Sabbagh, Mazen
Council of Churches in France Delegation: Syria is a Unique Case of Coexistence
Monday, July 09, 2007 - 05:50 PM
Damascus, (SANA) – Council of Churches in France delegation concluded on Monday a five-day visit to Syria, during which its members met heads of Christian communities and the general director of Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro Foundation.
Members of the delegation included president of Council of Churches Archbishop Jean-Arnold de Clermont, president of the Orthodox Bishops Council in France Metropolitan Emmanuel and president of the Catholic Bishops Assembly Archbishop Bernard-Nicolas Aubertin. They stated that Syria is a unique case and presents a model for fraternity and coexistence to the region and the world.
They also pointed out to the necessity of communication and dialogue between the West and the Islamic worlds, stressing that Syria's history, civilization and regional position must be taken into account in any regional reconciliation, adding that peace has become a priority in order to end violence and extremism.
H. Sabbagh, Mazen
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Again I urge Iraqi Christians to save themselves
snip
Pope Benedict XVI lamented the suffering of Christians in Iraq, and their steady exodus from that country, during a June 21 conversation with an Iraqi Orthodox leader.
The Pope remarked that Christians are "suffering both materially and spiritually" in the Middle East, the birthplace of the faith. "Particularly in Iraq," he said, "Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment. Many of them see no other possibility than to leave the country and to seek a new future abroad."
snip
Meanwhile, the Pontiff said, the immediate struggles of all Christians in Iraq "are a source of great concern to me, and I wish to express my solidarity with the pastors and the faithful of the Christian communities who remain there, often at the price of heroic sacrifices."
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51947
I share the Pope's concern for Eastern Christians, as I've posted on this blog before. But they should get out as soon as possible, and I urge them to go to Syria if they are in a dangerous area, rather than wait for permission for a Western country. It is not as though the brave Eastern Christians are taking a stand for their religion, but rather, they are being used as unconscionable cannon fodder as all sides slaughter each other, and the Christians are the only ones to be non violent and turn the other cheek. That is not a sacrifice that God would want them to make; the safety of their families and their clergy must come first. I urge those who have contacts in Iraq to stress that they should get out as soon as possible and to see if they can go to Syria quickly. As sad as it is I am more optimistic than our Holy Father that they can carry their faith with them and be supported in places that they do not expect.
Pope Benedict XVI lamented the suffering of Christians in Iraq, and their steady exodus from that country, during a June 21 conversation with an Iraqi Orthodox leader.
The Pope remarked that Christians are "suffering both materially and spiritually" in the Middle East, the birthplace of the faith. "Particularly in Iraq," he said, "Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment. Many of them see no other possibility than to leave the country and to seek a new future abroad."
snip
Meanwhile, the Pontiff said, the immediate struggles of all Christians in Iraq "are a source of great concern to me, and I wish to express my solidarity with the pastors and the faithful of the Christian communities who remain there, often at the price of heroic sacrifices."
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51947
I share the Pope's concern for Eastern Christians, as I've posted on this blog before. But they should get out as soon as possible, and I urge them to go to Syria if they are in a dangerous area, rather than wait for permission for a Western country. It is not as though the brave Eastern Christians are taking a stand for their religion, but rather, they are being used as unconscionable cannon fodder as all sides slaughter each other, and the Christians are the only ones to be non violent and turn the other cheek. That is not a sacrifice that God would want them to make; the safety of their families and their clergy must come first. I urge those who have contacts in Iraq to stress that they should get out as soon as possible and to see if they can go to Syria quickly. As sad as it is I am more optimistic than our Holy Father that they can carry their faith with them and be supported in places that they do not expect.
Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria in Syria
Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria Arrives in Damascus
From the Syrian Arab News Agency at www.sana.org, this article:
http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/06/20/124675.htm
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa on Wednesday underlined that peoples of the region have strong ties in spiritual, religious and culture domains , saying "Syria is the source of religions and the cradle of civilizations."
The Patriarch, arriving in Damascus international airport, expressed amity to Syria and its citizens which "live a national consolidated unity and enjoy coexistence, the fact that makes Syria a unique example in the world."
Patriarch Theodore is on a 5-day visit to Syria. He will visit holy places and worship houses in Damascus, Homs and Damascus countryside.
From the Syrian Arab News Agency at www.sana.org, this article:
http://www.sana.org/eng/21/2007/06/20/124675.htm
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa on Wednesday underlined that peoples of the region have strong ties in spiritual, religious and culture domains , saying "Syria is the source of religions and the cradle of civilizations."
The Patriarch, arriving in Damascus international airport, expressed amity to Syria and its citizens which "live a national consolidated unity and enjoy coexistence, the fact that makes Syria a unique example in the world."
Patriarch Theodore is on a 5-day visit to Syria. He will visit holy places and worship houses in Damascus, Homs and Damascus countryside.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Syria Hosts more than 1.3 million Iraqi refugees
I am amazed that Syria does not get more credit for taking in over 1.3 million refugees from the Iraq conflict. However else one might feel about history or politics, I ask people to consider for a moment what an achievement this is. Talk about Biblical hospitality in the Middle East.... over one and a third million refugees arriving in a span of only a few years in a country of Syria's size. Yet you do not hear whining from Syria, and remember, they already host several hundred thousand Palestinians over various periods of time since 1948.
Now, put this number and hospitality in the context of Syria's population and income levels:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=82773
snip
Syria's population has grown to more than 19 million residents although the annual birth rate has slipped to 2.5 percent, the government daily Tishrin reported on Tuesday. "The Syrian population has crossed the 19 million mark in 2007, from 17.9 million residents in 2004," it said, citing figures from the country's central statistics bureau. The figure was only 4.5 million in 1960 and 13.8 million in 1994. "This growth rate represents the greatest challenge for development plans," it said. The birth rate, however, was as high as 3.3 percent between 1981 and 1994, easing to 2.7 percent between 1995 and 2000, before falling to the current rate of 2.5 percent. Syria forecasts an economic growth rate of 5.6 percent for this year, with a target of seven percent by the end of a 2006-2010 five-year development plan. Per capita income has risen to $1,056 a year, from $756 in 2000. - AFP
snip
Can you imagine the achievement that it is to host 1.3 million Iraqi refugees when you are a country of 19 million population?
I think the only parallel that the USA can imagine is the generosity of Texas, much of it unsung, who took in so many people who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the levee damage in New Orleans.
Still, the proportions of Syria's kindness toward Iraqi refugees is amazing, and worthy of recognition.
Now, put this number and hospitality in the context of Syria's population and income levels:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=82773
snip
Syria's population has grown to more than 19 million residents although the annual birth rate has slipped to 2.5 percent, the government daily Tishrin reported on Tuesday. "The Syrian population has crossed the 19 million mark in 2007, from 17.9 million residents in 2004," it said, citing figures from the country's central statistics bureau. The figure was only 4.5 million in 1960 and 13.8 million in 1994. "This growth rate represents the greatest challenge for development plans," it said. The birth rate, however, was as high as 3.3 percent between 1981 and 1994, easing to 2.7 percent between 1995 and 2000, before falling to the current rate of 2.5 percent. Syria forecasts an economic growth rate of 5.6 percent for this year, with a target of seven percent by the end of a 2006-2010 five-year development plan. Per capita income has risen to $1,056 a year, from $756 in 2000. - AFP
snip
Can you imagine the achievement that it is to host 1.3 million Iraqi refugees when you are a country of 19 million population?
I think the only parallel that the USA can imagine is the generosity of Texas, much of it unsung, who took in so many people who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the levee damage in New Orleans.
Still, the proportions of Syria's kindness toward Iraqi refugees is amazing, and worthy of recognition.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Iraqi Christians: do not become martyrs
Dearest who suffer in Iraq, both for their faith and as innocent bystanders in the civil war. My advice to you is to leave Iraq, together with your families, even if you have to leave your land behind. I know that many of you have already left, and I urge those who remain to consider leaving as soon as possible. If there are delays in getting visa or permission to enter "Western" countries such as Europe or the USA, please do not wait and go instead to a country in your region when Christianity is allowed in honor and peace, such as Syria or UAE. Do not risk your family's lives any further. It is more important that the Word of Jesus Christ live in your families than for you to water the garden of martyrs with your injury or death. There are times when one must leave one's country for one's faith and one's family's safety, and all honor and prayers for those of you who must now do this. Prayers and blessings for Iraqi Christians throughout the world, and especially those who must now leave for a new start elsewhere. I ask Christians and sympathetic governments, both secular and Islamic, to support and welcome the refugees and thank you in God's name in advance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
