| | Dear Friends, August has been a busy month at IDC! Government relations associate Willaim Roberts secured the co-sponsorship of Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) in support of Congressman Chris Smith’s Nigeria resolution. IDC has also placed its support behind new legislation concerning Lebanon policy, introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY). On August 5, I had the honor to join IDC Advisory Board member Nadine Maenza in addressing the Syriac Center for Strategic Studies conference in Qamishli, Syria, where I delivered remarks on the shortfalls of the Treaty of Lausanne—on the treaty’s centennial—and the way ahead. Also in August, we released episode #6 of the IDC podcast “In the Middle.” The episode, entitled “Copts & the Suffering of the Saints” featured Dr. Samuel Tadros of the Hudson Institute and Mariam Wahba of The Foundation for Defense of Democracies. We discussed the history, legacy, and trials of Egypt’s Coptic Christians. This month, IRD research fellow Max Prowant published a thoughtful assessment of ISIS leadership in the wake of its former “boss’s” death. As we wrap up the month, IDC has been hard at work preparing a jam-packed program for the 2023 March for the Martyrs and Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. Join IDC, and hundreds of fellow Christian activists, in advocating on Capitol Hill, and marching in solidarity across our nation’s Capitol. Mark your calendars for September 29-30, and REGISTER TODAY! As we head into September, we ask that you continue to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who face ever-growing persecution and violence around the world. Also, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to IDC's efforts in advocating for persecuted Christian communities in the Middle East and around the world. Our work is dependent on your generosity! Richard Ghazal, Executive Director |
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| |  | Rep. Young Kim (D-CA) and Rep.Grace Meng (D-NY) |
| | As we prepare for the March for the Martyrs & Capitol Hill Advocacy Day (September 29-30), IDC continues its advocacy efforts in Congress. In August, IDC secured the cosponsorship of Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA) for H.Res.82. As a member of the Africa Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congresswoman Kim's cosponsorship strengthens the coalition supporting this resolution. IDC has also taken on legislation concerning U.S. policy towards Lebanon (H.R.4929), introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY), which would require the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the security threats facing Lebanon including Hezbollah and Iran, and provide an assessment of the Lebanese Armed Forces. | | | | |
| | MARCH FOR THE MARTYRS 2023 |
| |  | In Defense of Christians (IDC) and For the Martyrs (FTM) are pleased to invite you to join us at the 2023 March for the Martyrs, September 29 -30, in Washington, DC. The March for the Martyrs is an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for our Christian brothers and sisters suffering for their faith around the world. This bold march through our nation’s Capital is a call for unity and tangible action on behalf of persecuted Christians worldwide. This year, IDC is proud to partner with our friends at March for the Martyrs to bring you a two-day event, leading advocacy and building awareness in our nation’s Capital and beyond! Mark your calendars for September 29 – 30. When registering, be sure to select the option which includes participation in "Hill Day" on September 29. We look forward to seeing you! |
| | Day 1: IDC Capitol Hill Advocacy Day Spend the day advocating in Congress on behalf of persecuted Christians. |
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Day 2: March for the Martyrs Join us as we march across our nation's Capital in solidarity with our persecuted brethren. |
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| | In Defense of Christians (IDC) and For the Martyrs (FTM) Announce a Joint Press Conference to Address International Christian Persecution "In Defense of Christians (IDC) and For the Martyrs (FTM) will host a joint press conference to address international Christian persecution.The press conference will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm (ET) at IDC headquarters (1023 15th Street NW, Washington, DC) and live streamed on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). The press conference will address several developing cases of international Christian persecution." |
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| | |  | "In the Middle" Podcast Episode #6: Copts & The Suffering of the Saints IDC's Richard Ghazal sat down with Dr. Samuel Tadros of the Hudson Institute and Mariam Wahba of The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (formerly of the Philos Project). They discussed the history, legacy, and trials of Egypt’s Coptic Christians. |
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| |  | On August 5, IDC's executive director Richard Ghazal and Advisory Board member Nadine Maenza addressed the Syriac Center for Strategic Studies conference in Qamishli, Syria. At the conference, entitled "The Syriac People and the Treaty of Lausanne: Preserving a People and Guaranteeing Rights in a Changing World," Ghazal shared his reflections on the shortfalls of the Treaty of Lausanne, and the way ahead. |
| | | ISIS Just Got a New Boss. Does Anyone Care Anymore?
Max J. Prowant "In addition to fighting this institutional decline, the new caliph will have to reinvigorate a movement that seems to have lost all its momentum in Iraq and Syria. In 2021 and 2022, there were signs of a potential ISIS comeback in the Middle East. With large prison breaks and a steady stream of attacks, these warnings seemed plausible. But 2023 has seen a sharp decline from the preceding two years. In the month of April 2022, for example, Iraq and Syria each saw more than 100 attacks from ISIS operatives. In 2023, however, there has yet to be a month with more than 25 attacks. In the words of the lead inspector general's recent report on Operation Inherent Resolve, ISIS in these countries is in "survival posture with a low operational pace." |
| | | A Threat to the Chaldean Patriarchate is a Threat to All Christians in Iraq
Scott Morgan "In modern-day Iraq, Chaldean Catholics (Syriac Christians who in the 16th century entered into communion with Rome) comprise approximately 80 percent of Iraq’s Christian Population. For centuries, the Chaldean Church has actively promoted inclusive dialogue within Iraqi society, and has represented sister Christian communities in its relations with the Iraqi Government. However, a recent move by Iraqi President Abd al-Latif Rashid threatens the critical role of the Chaldean Church in Iraq. On July 3, President Rashid issued Republican Degree 31, effectively rescinding the decade-old Republican Decree 147, issued in 2013 by then-President Jalal Talibani. Republican Decree 147 officially recognized Chaldean Cardinal-Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako as the head of the Chaldean Church, with the title of Patriarch of Babylon, responsible for the assets of the church." |
| | | SUPPORT IDC'S MISSION BY MAKING A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION! |
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